The 2026 awards season has officially begun with a glittering ceremony that saw major wins for streaming giants and British talent. The Critics Choice Awards, held on Monday 5 January 2026, set a high bar for the coming months, honouring the best in film and television from the past year.
Major Wins for Streaming and Historical Drama
Netflix's limited series Adolescence was the night's biggest winner in the television categories, securing an impressive four awards. The drama's stars, Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham, and Erin Doherty, were all recognised for their acting performances, cementing the show's critical success.
In the film world, Irish actress Jessie Buckley claimed the Best Actress prize for her powerful portrayal of Anne Hathaway, the wife of William Shakespeare, in the historical drama Hamnet. Her performance has been widely praised as a career highlight.
Best Picture, Director, and a Public Declaration
Paul Thomas Anderson's cinematic offering, One Battle After Another, achieved a prestigious double victory, taking home both the Best Picture and Best Director awards. This solidifies the film's position as a frontrunner for the upcoming Academy Awards.
The Best Actor award went to Timothee Chalamet for his role in Marty Supreme. In a memorable moment during his acceptance speech, Chalamet publicly declared his love for his partner, reality TV star and businesswoman Kylie Jenner, creating one of the night's most talked-about headlines.
Meanwhile, the beloved British franchise returned to glory as Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy was named Best Movie Made for Television, delighting fans across the UK.
Setting the Pace for Awards Season
The results of the Critics Choice Awards are often seen as a key indicator for the rest of the awards season, including the BAFTAs and Oscars. The strong showing for Netflix underscores the continued dominance of streaming services in producing award-worthy content. Similarly, Jessie Buckley's win boosts British hopes for further international recognition in the months ahead.
With a mix of blockbuster films, critically adored series, and standout individual performances, the 2026 ceremony has successfully raised the curtain on what promises to be a fiercely competitive and exciting awards season.
