The 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards ceremony witnessed emotional victories and fashion statements as Hollywood’s elite gathered at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Sunday. Hosted by comedian Chelsea Handler, the event celebrated exceptional achievements across film, television, and streaming content as determined by professional critics.
Timothée Chalamet secured the Best Actor honor for his portrayal of an ambitious table-tennis player in ‘Marty Supreme,’ delivering a notably vulnerable acceptance speech. The 30-year-old actor expressed visible nervousness while acknowledging his collaborators before offering a heartfelt public declaration to partner Kylie Jenner: ‘Thank you to my partner of three years. Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn’t do this without you.’ Cameras captured Jenner’s reciprocal ‘I love you’ response from the audience.
Irish performer Jessie Buckley claimed Best Actress for her work in the historical drama ‘Hamnet,’ adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s novel about William Shakespeare’s marriage. Buckley delivered an emotionally charged speech praising director Chloe Zhao and co-star Paul Mescal, whom she described as a ‘giant of the heart.’
The evening’s major cinematic achievement belonged to Paul Thomas Anderson’s breathless action thriller ‘One Battle After Another,’ which secured both Best Picture and Best Director honors. The film now establishes itself as a formidable Oscars contender alongside other multiple-award winners including ‘Sinners,’ which collected four trophies including Best Casting and Best Ensemble.
Television categories recognized outstanding limited series performances, with 16-year-old Owen Cooper winning Best Supporting Actor for Netflix’s psychological crime drama ‘Adolescence.’ Canadian actor Seth Rogen brought comedic relief while accepting Best Actor in a Comedy Series for ‘The Studio,’ joking that the award justified canceling his therapy appointments.
The ceremony’s fashion elements showcased bold sartorial choices, from Chase Infiniti’s sleeveless yellow Louis Vuitton ensemble to Michael B. Jordan’s statement burgundy suit. Teyana Taylor opted for menswear-inspired Saint Laurent tailoring adorned with feathers, while Mia Goth selected a pristine white silk Dior gown for the occasion.