The 2026 Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica delivered its first major viral moment before the ceremony even began, courtesy of a brilliantly executed red carpet parody. Meg Stalter and Paul W. Downs, co-stars of the hit series Hacks, arrived in stunningly accurate recreations of the orange Chrome Hearts ensembles famously worn by Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet just weeks prior.
A Pitch-Perfect Red Carpet Roast
This was far more than a simple homage; it was a full-scale comedic send-up. Paul W. Downs, 43, embodied Timothée Chalamet's look from the Marty Supreme premiere, wearing a blazing orange leather suit, matching silk shirt, and boots. Meanwhile, Meg Stalter, 35, mirrored Kylie Jenner in a floor-length orange gown complete with the same daring cutouts below the bust and across the waist.
The duo didn't stop at the wardrobe. They meticulously recreated the couple's now-iconic poses and body language from the December 8 premiere. Stalter, channelling Jenner, took the lead—pouting for cameras, adjusting Downs's hand placement, and layering her hands over his in a perfect mimic of Jenner's signature gestures. In a standout moment, she turned on cue, flicked her hair, and leaned back into Downs's chest, delivering a sultry over-the-shoulder glance that echoed Jenner's own viral red carpet smoulder.
Star-Studded Ceremony and Major Nominations
The parody provided a light-hearted prelude to a highly competitive awards night. Timothée Chalamet himself is a nominee for Best Actor for his work in Marty Supreme, facing stiff competition from Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), Michael B. Jordan (Sinners), and Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent).
In film, Sinners leads the pack with 17 nominations, including Best Picture, followed closely by One Battle After Another with 14. On the television side, the limited series Adolescence tops the list with six nominations. The ceremony, hosted by Chelsea Handler, also introduced four new categories this year: best variety series, casting, stunt design, and sound.
Full List of Key Contenders
The major categories feature a roster of Hollywood's biggest names. The Best Actress race includes Jessie Buckley (Hamnet), Emma Stone (Bugonia), and Amanda Seyfried (The Testament of Ann Lee). In supporting roles, notable nominees are Ariana Grande for Wicked: For Good and Jacob Elordi for Frankenstein.
Television categories are equally fierce, with drama series like Severance, The Diplomat, and The Pitt vying for top honours. Comedy series contenders include Hacks, Abbott Elementary, and Nobody Wants This.
The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards will air live on the USA Network and E! on Sunday, January 4, beginning at 7 p.m. ET (midnight GMT).
