The Contenders Are Set: Critics Choice Awards 2026 Nominations Revealed

The nominations for the 2026 Critics Choice Awards are finally out. E! News and the Critics Choice Association unveiled the full slate of contenders on December 5. The ceremony will air live from Santa Monica on January 4.Chelsea Handler will return to host the show for an impressive fourth consecutive year. The event officially kicks off the annual awards season frenzy for Hollywood.

Major Studios and Streaming Giants Vie for Top Honors

Warner Bros. emerged as a dominant force with two major contenders. The studio’s films “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” lead the pack with multiple nominations, including Best Picture. According to E! News, both films also scored nods for directing, acting, and technical categories.Netflix and Focus Features also showed strong presence across the board. Notable films like “Hamnet,” “Frankenstein,” and “Sentimental Value” are in the race. The competition highlights a continued blend of traditional studios and streaming platforms.

A Diverse and Competitive Field Across Film and Television

The acting categories feature a mix of established stars and rising talent. Leonardo DiCaprio (“One Battle After Another”) and Michael B. Jordan (“Sinners”) will compete for Best Actor. The Best Actress race includes Emma Stone (“Bugonia”) and Amanda Seyfried (“The Testament of Ann Lee”).On the television side, popular series like “Severance,” “The Diplomat,” and “Hacks” earned key nominations. The awards will celebrate both drama and comedy series. This sets the stage for a highly anticipated night celebrating the year’s best in entertainment.

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The 2026 Critics Choice Awards promise a night of intense competition and celebration. All eyes will be on the frontrunners when the winners are announced live this January.

Dropping this nugget your way

When and where are the 2026 Critics Choice Awards?

The ceremony will be held on January 4, 2026. It broadcasts live from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on E! and USA Network.

Who is hosting the Critics Choice Awards?

Comedian and talk show host Chelsea Handler will host the event. This marks her fourth year in a row as the ceremony’s host.

Which movies received the most nominations?

Warner Bros. films “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” lead the field. They are both up for Best Picture and many other technical and acting awards.

Where can I watch the awards show?

Viewers can tune in to E! or USA Network for the live broadcast. The show begins at 7 p.m. Eastern and Pacific Time.

Are there any notable snubs or surprises?

The nominations list often generates discussion about inclusions and omissions. The full scope of reactions will become clearer as the awards season progresses.