The 2026 Critics Choice Awards: Biggest winners and moments
The 31st Critics Choice Awards kicked off the first awards show of the year on Sunday. The annual honors, presented by the Critics Choice Association and often seen as a harbinger of the Academy Awards, were held in Santa Monica, California.
Comedian Chelsea Handler hosted the awards ceremony and in her opening monologue, paid tribute to late director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Reiner, who both died three weeks ago in their Los Angeles home.
Handler called Reiner “the nicest guy in Hollywood.”
“The minute that you met him, he felt like an old friend,” Handler said. “When you were in a conversation with him, he was present, he was focused, and he was funny.”
She added, “Rob and Michele were tireless in their efforts to so many important causes, all stemming from one basic idea -- decency -- that we should all look out for each other and I think we can all agree that we definitely need more of that.”
Nick Reiner, one of Rob and Michele Reiner’s sons, is accused of killing his parents and is facing first-degree murder charges. He is expected in court Wednesday.
Take a look back at the biggest moments and winners from the Critics Choice Awards below.
Biggest movie winners
“Sinners” won big, with the horror and action film taking home four awards, including best original screenplay for Ryan Coogler and best young actor for Miles Caton.
“Frankenstein” also topped the awards tally, tying “Sinners” for four honors. Jacob Elordi was named best supporting actor for his role in “Frankenstein,” which was also recognized for best production design, best costume design and best hair and makeup.
"One Battle After Another,” the action and thriller film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, won best picture.
"KPop Demon Hunters" was named best animated feature and “Golden,” the runaway hit track from the movie, was named best song.
Jessie Buckley won the best actress award for her role as Agnes Shakespeare in “Hamnet.”
Timothée Chalamet earned the best actor award for his portrayal of Marty in “Marty Supreme.” At the end of his acceptance speech, he appeared to thank Kylie Jenner, with whom he shared a kiss before accepting the award.
“Thank you to my partner of three years. Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Chalamet said, as cameras recorded Jenner mouthing the words, "I love you," toward the actor on stage.
Chalamet and Jenner made their red carpet debut in May 2025. The couple more recently stepped out together in matching orange outfits at the "Marty Supreme" premiere in December.
Biggest TV winners
“Adolescence” picked up four trophies, including best limited series.
“The Pitt,” starring Noah Wyle, was named the best drama series.
The best comedy series went to “The Studio,” which stars Seth Rogen.
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel won for best talk show and thanked President Trump in his speech.
"It’s been a banner couple of weeks and we can’t wait to get back on the air tomorrow night to talk about them," Kimmel said.
Janelle James won for best supporting actress in a comedy for “Abbott Elementary.”
