Yes, it was all smiles despite the cloudy skies and light sprinkles at the 31st Critics Choice Awards on January 4, 2026. I’ve covered the awards for the last eleven years, and this Chicago-based critic always looks forward to warmer weather during the event held at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, California.
Chelsea Handler hosted the awards as she has for the last several years; she is very comical and keeps the show hopping. She did mention Rob Reiner, who was murdered last month, as directed “The Princess Bride” and “Misery,” saying, “He’s the nicest guy in Hollywood.” Also, “Anyone who ever spent time with Rob Reiner knows that the minute you met him, he felt like an old friend when you were in a conversation with him,” she said. “He was present, he was focused, and he was funny, and he would ask you tons of questions, whether you were discussing politics or film or the latest beauty trends. He was all in after I texted him to thank him for dinner a few months ago. He texted me back and said, ‘We had so much fun with you last night. Thanks for explaining so much about plastic surgery; it was very edifying.” Of course, the room erupted in applause.
Our awards are determined by a group of over 500 broadcast critics and journalists from around the globe, although less than half attend the live show. This year I met Amanda Seyfried from the movie “The Housemaid,” we spoke about her role as well as the book on which it is based by Freida McFadden. Seyfried said, “At times it was difficult for myself and Sydney Sweeny to keep a straight face,” as they did have a great time working together despite their rival roles over Brandon Sklenar, who played her husband. I told her my book club read the book and really enjoyed the story, and her performance in the film.
“One Battle After Another,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and co-starring Sean Penn and Teyana Taylor, earned the best-picture award. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film features DiCaprio as a burned-out revolutionary searching for his daughter, winning three awards in total, including honors for directing and adapted screenplay. “This is the best time I ever had making a movie, and I feel like it shows,” Anderson said.
Best Actor category was won by Timothée Chalamet for his portrayal of an ambitious table-tennis player in “Marty Supreme.” In his acceptance speech, he thanks his girlfriend Kylie Jenner, saying, “Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn’t do this without you.” It was actually fun to see the couple together enjoying the evening as their bodyguards kept a close watch.
“Hamnet’s” Jessie Buckley was favored to win best actress, and it was wonderful to see her accept the award, as she plays William Shakespeare’s wife. Buckley expressed her gratitude for playing a character that is often overlooked due to the popularity of her famous husband.
She was astounded as she took the stage, “This is intense!” Buckley said. She gave a heartfelt speech, telling co-star Paul Mescal, “You’re a giant of the heart, and thank you so much for making me a little more human,” and adding, “I could drink you like water,” noting his impact on her performance and the industry. She also thanked her fellow nominees and everyone involved in the film, emphasizing the privilege of creating art.
Other major film prizes went to Amy Madigan, the supporting actress winner for “Weapons,” and Jacob Elordi, the supporting actor winner for “Frankenstein.” Guillermo del Toro’s monster movie also picked up awards for costumes and production design. Ryan Coogler’s vampire drama, “Sinners,” won for score, original screenplay, and best young actor, Miles Caton.
The complete list of Critics Choice winners:
Film
Best Picture
“One Battle After Another”
Best Actor
Timothée Chalamet, “Marty Supreme”
Best Actress
Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet”
Best Supporting Actor
Jacob Elordi, “Frankenstein”
Best Supporting Actress
Amy Madigan, “Weapons”
Best Young Actor or Actress
Miles Caton, “Sinners”
Best Director
Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another”
Best Original Screenplay
Ryan Coogler, “Sinners”
Best Adapted Screenplay
Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another”
Best Casting and Ensemble
Francine Maisler, “Sinners”
Best Cinematography
Adolpho Veloso, “Train Dreams”
Best Production Design
“Frankenstein”
Best Editing
Stephen Mirrione, “F1: The Movie”
Best Costume Design
“Frankenstein”
Best Hair and Makeup
“Frankenstein”
Best Visual Effects
“Avatar: Fire and Ash”
Best Stunt Design
“Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning”
Best Animated Feature
“KPop Demon Hunters”
Best Comedy
“The Naked Gun”
Best Foreign Language Film
“The Secret Agent”
Best Song
“Golden,” “KPop Demon Hunters”
Best Score
Ludwig Goransson, “Sinners”
Best Sound
“F1: The Movie”
Television
Best Drama Series
“The Pitt”
Best Actor, Drama Series
Noah Wyle, “The Pitt”
Best Actress, Drama Series
Rhea Seehorn, “Pluribus”
Best Supporting Actor, Drama Series
Tramell Tillman, “Severance”
Best Supporting Actress, Drama Series
Katherine LaNasa, “The Pitt”
Best Comedy Series
“The Studio”
Best Actor, Comedy Series
Seth Rogen, “The Studio”
Best Actress, Comedy Series
Jean Smart, “Hacks”
Best Supporting Actor, Comedy Series
Ike Barinholtz, “The Studio”
Best Supporting Actress, Comedy Series
Janelle James, “Abbott Elementary”
Best Limited Series
“Adolescence”
Best TV Movie
“Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy”
Best Actor, Limited Series or TV Movie
Stephen Graham, “Adolescence”
Best Actress, Limited Series or TV Movie
Sarah Snook, “All Her Fault”
Best Supporting Actor, Limited Series or TV Movie
Owen Cooper, “Adolescence”
Best Supporting Actress, Limited Series or TV Movie
Erin Doherty, “Adolescence”
Best Foreign Language Series
“Squid Game”
Best Animated Series
“South Park”
Best Talk Show
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Best Variety Series
“Last Week Tonight With John Oliver”
Best Comedy Special
“SNL50: The Anniversary Special”
Sarah Knight Adamson© January 7, 2026