The 2026 awards season officially begins with the 31st Critics’ Choice Awards, a ceremony widely regarded as an early indicator for both the Golden Globes and the Oscars. The event honours the best achievements in film and television from the past year, as voted on by more than 600 professional journalists who make up the Critics’ Choice Association.
The gala will take place on January 4, 2026, at the Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport in California. As the first major entertainment industry event of the year, the ceremony arrives with heightened expectations due to the strong slate of nominated films and television series.
American comedian Chelsea Handler returns as host for the fourth consecutive year. Speaking about the role, Handler said opening the year with the ceremony “feels good.” Organisers praised her sharp humour, confident delivery, and strong connection with viewers, calling her one of the most effective awards show hosts in recent years. Executives from Versant, the company overseeing the broadcast, also said her return would ensure a fast-paced, engaging show to launch awards season.
How to watch the 2026 Critics Choice Awards for free: Start time, nominees https://t.co/YANnE58yH8 pic.twitter.com/JNtTt5HtTU
— Page Six (@PageSix) January 4, 2026The Critics’ Choice Association has confirmed several high-profile presenters for the 2026 edition. The lineup includes Colman Domingo, Allison Janney, Hannah Einbinder, Justin Hartley, Quinta Brunson, Diego Luna, Jeff Goldblum, and Ava DuVernay. Additional presenters are expected to be announced closer to the event.
The ceremony will air live on Sunday, January 4, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on E! and USA Network. Viewers will also be able to stream the show on demand the following day via Peacock. Ahead of the main broadcast, E! will present “Critics’ Choice Awards: Live From the Red Carpet” starting at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Read: 2026 Critics Choice Awards: Full Details, Host, Streaming Info, and Top Nominations
In the film categories, the horror drama Sinners, starring and directed by Michael B. Jordan, leads with 17 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor. Close behind is Leonardo DiCaprio’s political thriller One Battle After Another, which secured 14 nominations. The Frankenstein adaptation directed by Guillermo del Toro and the historical drama Hamnet each earned 11 nominations.
On the television side, Netflix leads the field, driven by strong performances from its British drama Adolescence and romantic comedy Nobody Wants This. Their success further highlights Netflix’s continued influence in the television awards landscape.
With major productions, prominent industry figures, and strong early momentum, the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards are set to shape expectations for the rest of the awards season.
