The Critics Choice Awards 2026 have officially arrived, and yep; it’s one of those nights where film and TV fans keep one eye on the screen and the other glued to live updates. The annual ceremony, hosted once again by Chelsea Handler, brings together critics’ favorites from across television and film, celebrating the performances, stories, and creative swings that defined the past year.
From buzzworthy dramas to crowd-pleasing hits, this is where it all starts to take shape as this night is a key moment in awards season. Some projects were coming in with high expectations, others were looking to surprise us all… either way, the critics’ picks are about to unfold, live.
Want to see which big winners take the stage? We’ve got you covered.
WARNING: This post is being updated LIVE as the 31st Critics Choice Awards air on January 4, 2026 at 7:00pm ET on E! and USA. Keep refreshing the page to see all the winner announcements as they happen.
Drama TV Awards Winners
Drama fans, it’s your time to shine. This section covers the series and performances that kept us glued to our screens, crying, screaming, and occasionally yelling at the TV (we know you do it too!). From lead actors to standout supporting roles, the critics are giving these shows their moment in the spotlight.
Best Drama Series: “The Pitt”
Best Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle – “The Pitt”
Best Actress in a Drama Series: Rhea Seehorn – “Pluribus”
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Tramell Tillman – “Severance”
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Katherine LaNasa – “The Pitt”
Comedy TV Awards Winners
Time to laugh it out; the Critics Choice Awards are celebrating the comedies that made us spit-take our drinks or giggle uncontrollably. From ensemble chemistry to individual comedic brilliance, these wins highlight the content that nailed that timing and delivery, bringing pure fun.
Best Comedy Series: “The Studio”
Best Actor in a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen – “The Studio”
Best Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart – “Hacks”
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Ike Barinholtz – “The Studio”
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Janelle James – “Abbott Elementary”
Best Comedy Special: “SNL50: The Anniversary Special”
Limited Series & Made-For-TV Movie Awards Winners
Limited series and TV movies often sneak up on us and then hit hard, and tonight they get the recognition they deserve. From gripping performances to memorable storytelling, this category shines a light on the small-screen hits that left a big impression.
Best Limited Series: “Adolescence”
Best Movie Made for Television: “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy”
Best Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie Made for Television: Stephen Graham – “Adolescence”
Best Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie Made for Television: Sarah Snook – “All Her Fault”
Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie Made for Television: Owen Cooper – “Adolescence”
Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie Made for Television: Erin Doherty – “Adolescence”
Other TV Awards Winners
Let’s get real; not everything fits neatly into drama or comedy. And that’s where these categories come in. Talk shows, variety series, animation, and foreign-language gems all get their turn to shine; because yes, TV is bigger than just one type of story.
Best Talk Show: “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Best Variety Series (New): “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver”
Best Animated Series: “South Park”
Best Foreign Language Series: “Squid Game”
Film Awards Winners
Here’s where the big screens take over. From powerhouse performances to jaw-dropping direction and writing, these awards celebrate the films that made 2025 unforgettable… whether you laughed, cried, or just sat there in awe.
Best Picture: “One Battle After Another”
Best Actor: Timothée Chalamet – “Marty Supreme”
Best Actress: Jessie Buckley – “Hamnet”
Best Supporting Actor: Jacob Elordi – “Frankenstein”
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan – “Weapons”
Best Young Actor / Actress: Miles Caton – “Sinners”
Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson – “One Battle After Another”
Best Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler – “Sinners”
Best Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson – “One Battle After Another”
Best Animated Feature: “KPop Demon Hunters”
Best Comedy: “The Naked Gun”
Best Foreign Language Film: “The Secret Agent”
Below-the-Line Film Awards Winners
These awards might not get the flashy red carpet attention, but they’re the ones that make movies feel alive. Honoring the people making all the magic behind the scenes (i.e. those who really make our favorite films the best they can be).
Best Cinematography: Adolpho Veloso – “Train Dreams”
Best Editing: Stephen Mirrione – “F1”
Best Costume Design: Kate Hawley – “Frankenstein”
Best Production Design: Tamara Deverell, Shane Vieau – “Frankenstein”
Best Score: Ludwig Göransson – “Sinners”
Best Song: “Golden” by Ejae, Mark Sonnenblick, Ido, 24, Teddy – “KPop Demon Hunters”
Best Hair and Makeup: Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel, Cliona Furey – “Frankenstein”
Best Visual Effects: Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon, Daniel Barrett – “Avatar: Fire and Ash”
Best Stunt Design (New): Wade Eastwood – “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”
Best Casting / Ensemble (New): Francine Maisler – “Sinners”
Best Sound (New): Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo, Juan Peralta, Gareth John – “F1”
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