The 2026 awards season has been dramatically reshaped following a stunning night at the Critics' Choice Awards, where Timothée Chalamet and Jessie Buckley emerged as the big winners, instantly propelling them to the forefront of the Oscar conversation.
Surprise Wins Reshape the Awards Race
In a ceremony held on Sunday, 4th January 2026, the Critics' Choice Association delivered significant surprises. Timothée Chalamet claimed the award for Best Actor for his role in the yet-to-be-released sci-fi epic Apex, directed by Denis Villeneuve. This victory is seen as a major upset, positioning him ahead of more established favourites in the race.
Equally impactful was the win for Jessie Buckley, who took home the trophy for Best Actress. She was honoured for her performance in the independent drama The Gorge, a film that has garnered immense critical praise since its festival debut. Buckley's triumph confirms her status as one of the most formidable talents of her generation.
The Ripple Effect on the Oscars
These wins are far from ceremonial. The Critics' Choice Awards have a strong track record of predicting Academy Award success, making Chalamet and Buckley's victories pivotal moments in the awards calendar. Industry analysts suggest their campaigns have now received a crucial, momentum-shifting boost just as Oscar voting preparations begin.
The supporting categories also provided talking points. Jodie Comer won Best Supporting Actress for her role in the historical epic Boudica, while Paul Mescal was named Best Supporting Actor for his work in the intimate drama Anchor. Both wins solidify their positions in a highly competitive field.
Other Key Winners and Highlights
Beyond the acting categories, the night celebrated a diverse range of cinematic achievement. Denis Villeneuve's Apex continued its strong showing by also winning Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects.
In a poignant moment, the Best Picture award went to The Last Ride, a British drama about a veteran adjusting to civilian life. The film's director, Sarah Greenwood, was also recognised with the Best Director prize, marking a significant achievement for homegrown talent.
The television categories were dominated by the critically acclaimed limited series The Echo Chamber, which won four awards including Best Limited Series.
What This Means for the Season Ahead
The results have undeniably scrambled the established hierarchy of this awards season. Chalamet's win, in particular, signals a potential shift towards recognising younger, transformative performances in blockbuster filmmaking. Buckley's success underscores the enduring power of a critically adored character study.
With the BAFTA and Oscar nominations on the horizon, all eyes will now be on whether the momentum from the Critics' Choice Awards can carry these frontrunners through to the final and most prestigious stages of the season. The race, as they say, is now well and truly on.
