The glitz and glamour of the 2026 Critics Choice Awards have concluded, leaving a trail of celebrated winners and memorable moments. The ceremony, held on January 5th, served as a major barometer for the past year's cinematic and television achievements, with competition spanning blockbuster films and acclaimed streaming series.
Netflix's Night of Triumph
The streaming giant Netflix emerged as a dominant force across both film and television categories. The limited series 'Adolescence' was the undisputed champion of the TV awards, securing multiple key honours. The show's stars were recognised individually, with Stephen Graham winning Best Actor, Erin Doherty taking Best Supporting Actress, and Owen Cooper awarded Best Supporting Actor in the Limited Series category.
On the film side, Guillermo del Toro's fresh adaptation of 'Frankenstein' proved to be a critical darling, scooping an impressive four awards. These included trophies for Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Hair and Makeup, and a Best Supporting Actor win for Jacob Elordi.
Major Film and TV Honours
The prestigious Best Picture award went to 'One Battle After Another', directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, who also won for Best Adapted Screenplay. However, the acting categories spread the wealth. Timothée Chalamet was named Best Actor for his role in 'Marty Supreme', while Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for 'Hamnet'. Ryan Coogler's redemption tale 'Sinners' also had a strong showing, earning four awards including Best Original Screenplay and Best Score for Ludwig Göransson.
In television, the drama series 'The Pitt' claimed the top prize for Best Drama Series, with Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa winning Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress respectively. The comedy landscape was ruled by 'The Studio', which won Best Comedy Series and acting awards for Seth Rogen and Ike Barinholtz. Jean Smart continued her winning streak, securing Best Actress in a Comedy Series for 'Hacks'.
Celebrity Presence and Other Highlights
The star-studded event drew a host of A-list celebrities, including Kylie Jenner, who attended in support of her partner, award-winner Timothée Chalamet. Other notable winners included Rhea Seehorn for Best Actress in a Drama Series ('Pluribus'), 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver' for Best Variety Series, and the animated feature 'KPop Demon Hunters'.
The ceremony also paid tribute to excellence in technical and craft categories, from stunt design in 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' to visual effects in 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. The full list of nominees and winners provides a comprehensive snapshot of the critical favourites that defined entertainment in 2025, setting the stage for the upcoming awards season.
