Critics Choice Awards 2026 Nominations Unveil Frontrunners in Tighter-Than-Ever Race

The Critics Choice Association has announced its nominations for the 2026 awards. The event will be held on January 4, 2026, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Comedian Chelsea Handler will return to host the live ceremony.The Critics Choice Awards 2026 nominations have officially set the stage for this year’s awards season. The film “Sinners” leads the pack, signaling a highly competitive race ahead for Hollywood’s top honors.

“Sinners” and “Adolescence” Dominate Major Categories

Ryan Coogler’s Warner Bros. film “Sinners” earned a staggering 17 nominations. This nearly ties the record set by “Barbie” in 2024. The haul includes Best Picture, Best Director for Coogler, and Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan.The film also scored nods across technical categories. This includes cinematography, editing, and the new Best Stunt Design category. According to The Hollywood Reporter, its performance makes it the undeniable film frontrunner.On the television side, Netflix‘s limited series “Adolescence” leads with six nominations. It is nominated for Best Limited Series. Its cast, including Stephen Graham, received multiple acting nominations.

Streaming Services and New Categories Reshape the Landscape

Streaming platforms continue to dominate the television nominations. Netflix leads all studios with 31 TV nods. HBO Max and Apple TV+ follow closely, highlighting the shift in where acclaimed content is produced.In film, Warner Bros. leads with 36 total nominations. Netflix is also a major player in the film categories, securing 27 nominations. This blend of traditional studios and streamers defines the modern awards race.The association introduced four new categories this year. These are Best Variety Series, Best Stunt Design, Best Casting and Ensemble, and Best Sound. These additions reflect evolving industry standards and recognize previously overlooked crafts.

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The Critics Choice Awards 2026 nominations have set a clear benchmark for excellence. All eyes now turn to the January ceremony to see which frontrunners will convert praise into trophies.

Info at your fingertips

Which film earned the most Critics Choice nominations for 2026?

The film “Sinners” received the most nominations with 17. This includes top categories like Best Picture and Best Director. It is the clear leader heading into the ceremony.

Were there any major snubs in the nominations?

While several films and shows were celebrated, some predicted contenders missed key categories. The competitive fields in both film and television left notable performances without a nod, as often happens in tight races.

What does this mean for the upcoming Oscars?

The Critics Choice Awards are a strong Oscar predictor. The dominance of “Sinners” suggests it will be a major Oscar contender. The television awards also influence upcoming Emmy races.

How did streaming services perform this year?

Streaming services performed exceptionally well. Netflix led in television nominations, while also being a major film contender. This underscores their central role in today’s entertainment landscape.

What are the new award categories?

Four new categories were added for 2026. These are Best Variety Series, Best Stunt Design, Best Casting and Ensemble, and Best Sound. They aim to recognize a broader range of artistic contributions.