The 2026 awards season officially kicks off with the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards, and all eyes are on Santa Monica this weekend. As the first major televised awards show of the year, the ceremony is expected to set the tone for what lies ahead on the road to the Oscars.
When and where the show airs
The Critics Choice Awards will take place on Sunday, January 4, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Chelsea Handler returns as host, bringing her signature wit back to the stage. The three-hour ceremony will air live on E! and USA Network, with the broadcast beginning at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT.
For red carpet fans, coverage starts even earlier, with Live from E! airing from 5 PM ET / 2 PM PT.
Films leading the nominations
This year’s nominations are dominated by Ryan Coogler’s genre thriller Sinners, which leads the pack with 17 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Screenplay. Michael B. Jordan’s dual performance has also emerged as one of the most talked-about elements of the film.
Close behind is Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, which picked up 14 nominations, making Warner Bros the most dominant studio this year.
Other Best Picture contenders include:
- Bugonia
- Frankenstein
- Hamnet
- Jay Kelly
- Marty Supreme
- Sentimental Value
- Train Dreams
- Wicked: For Good
The mix highlights a strong presence from Netflix, Focus Features, and A24, pointing to a highly competitive race.
Television contenders
On the TV front, Netflix continues its strong run, with Adolescence leading with six nominations, followed closely by Nobody Wants This with five. Both shows are expected to be major players during the ceremony.
New categories debut this year
The Critics Choice Awards are also expanding in 2026 with the introduction of four new categories:
- Best Variety Series
- Best Stunt Design
- Best Casting
- Best Ensemble
Notably, Best Casting officially becomes an Oscar category later this year, while Stunt Design is expected to follow in 2027, making this edition particularly significant for industry recognition.
Star-studded presenter lineup
This year’s presenters list reads like a who’s who of Hollywood, featuring names such as Allison Janney, Colman Domingo, Jeff Goldblum, Quinta Brunson, Regina Hall, Kaley Cuoco, Diego Luna, Ava DuVernay, Billy Bob Thornton, and William H. Macy, among many others. The lineup reflects a blend of film, television, and comedy talent.
How to watch online and on social media
Beyond television, the Critics Choice Association will share real-time updates, clips, and highlights across Instagram, X, TikTok, and Facebook, with additional red carpet and backstage coverage from E! News and E! Entertainment.
Final Words
With major Oscar contenders, fresh categories, and a high-energy host, the 2026 Critics Choice Awards promise a strong start to awards season. Whether Sinners continues its dominance or a surprise contender steals the spotlight, Sunday night is shaping up to be one to watch.
