The 2026 awards season officially kicked off in Los Angeles on Sunday night with the star-studded Critics Choice Awards, where British powerhouse Stephen Graham and his acclaimed Netflix limited series Adolescence emerged as major television contenders.
Red Carpet Romance and Major Nominations
Stephen Graham, 52, and his wife and collaborator Hannah Walters, 48, presented a united front on the red carpet, arriving hand-in-hand in coordinated black outfits. The couple's appearance came ahead of a significant night for their series, Adolescence, which has secured an impressive six nominations at the ceremony.
The show, which explores the story of a boy accused of murder after discovering 'incel' culture online, is already a proven winner. It swept the board at the 2025 Emmy Awards, taking home eight trophies including Best Limited Series. It also arrives at the Critics Choice Awards with two wins already secured from pre-show hand-outs for cinematography and casting.
Head-to-Head Acting Battles and Notable Snubs
One of the most intriguing contests of the night will see Stephen Graham go head-to-head for the Best Actor in a Limited Series award with his 15-year-old co-star, Owen Cooper. Cooper made history last September by becoming the youngest-ever male Emmy winner for his supporting role in the series, which was filmed when he was just 14.
However, the nomination list held a surprise omission. Ashley Walters, who received an Emmy nomination for his role in Adolescence, was absent from the Critics Choice nominations. Meanwhile, Erin Doherty, who won the Outstanding Supporting Actress Emmy for the show, received a Critics Choice nod—but for her role in rival series A Thousand Blows.
Hannah Walters also contributed to the series both on and off-screen, with a brief cameo as teacher Mrs. Bailey and a pivotal role within the production team.
The Critics Choice as an Awards Season Bellwether
Hosted for a fourth consecutive year by Chelsea Handler, the Critics Choice Awards are held at the Barker Hangar and are widely considered one of Hollywood's most accurate predictors of Oscar and Emmy success. Last season, the ceremony correctly forecast the Oscar wins for Anora and actors Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, and Zoe Saldaña.
With the Golden Globes not airing until January 11, the Critics Choice Awards stand as the first major televised ceremony of 2026, offering studios and contenders a crucial platform to build momentum.
On the film side, Ryan Coogler's Sinners leads the pack with a staggering 17 nominations, just one shy of the record set by Barbie in 2024. It is closely followed by One Battle After Another with 14 nods, and Hamnet and Frankenstein, each with 11.
The full list of nominees across film and television categories showcases a highly competitive field, setting the stage for a night that will undoubtedly shape the narrative for the rest of the awards season.
