The 2026 awards season kicked off in style as the Critics Choice Awards honoured the year's finest in film and television, with Irish actress Jessie Buckley and the British limited series Adolescence emerging as major winners.
Buckley's Emotional Win for Hamnet
Killarney-born Jessie Buckley was named Best Actress for her performance in the historical drama Hamnet. The film delves into the relationship between William Shakespeare and his wife, Anne Hathaway, following the tragic death of their young son.
In a moving acceptance speech, Buckley paid tribute to director Chloe Zhao and her co-stars, Paul Mescal and Emily Watson. She described Zhao as having reminded her of the power of storytelling, while she humorously addressed Mescal's popularity, stating, "Paul, I bloody love you man. And I know loads of other women do in this room too, but tough shit." She credited him with making her "a little bit more human" during filming.
Adolescence Dominates Limited Series Categories
The British drama Adolescence, a Netflix hit that ranked among the platform's most-watched titles in 2025, secured an impressive four awards. The series follows a 13-year-old boy arrested for the murder of a classmate.
Owen Cooper, the 16-year-old star, won Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series. His co-stars also triumphed, with Stephen Graham winning Best Actor and Erin Doherty named Best Supporting Actress in the same category.
During his heartfelt speech, Cooper called the past year a "complete whirlwind" that had changed his family's life forever, expressing profound gratitude for the recognition.
Other Notable Winners and Oscar Implications
Hosted by comedian Chelsea Handler on Monday 5th January 2026, the Critics Choice Awards are widely viewed as a key early indicator for the upcoming Academy Awards race.
Other winners on the night included Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy for Best Movie Made for Television. The American horror film Sinners also won four awards, including Best Casting and Best Ensemble.
In the film categories, Timothee Chalamet won Best Actor for his role as table tennis champion Marty Supreme, while One Battle After Another clinched the coveted Best Picture prize. Its director, Paul Thomas Anderson, took home the award for Best Director.
The ceremony's results have firmly placed several contenders in the spotlight, suggesting a potentially strong showing for British and Irish talent as the awards season progresses towards the Oscars.
