In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the awards season, Timothée Chalamet and Jessie Buckley have emerged as the big winners at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards. Their victories are now seen as a significant boost to their chances at the upcoming Academy Awards, reshaping the Oscar race in key categories.
Surprise Wins Reshape the Awards Landscape
The ceremony, held on Sunday, January 4th, 2026, delivered several unexpected results. Timothée Chalamet claimed the award for Best Actor for his critically acclaimed role in the yet-to-be-released biopic James. This win is particularly notable as it places him ahead of several established frontrunners in a highly competitive field.
Meanwhile, Jessie Buckley took home the trophy for Best Supporting Actress for her powerful performance in The End of Getting Lost. Buckley's win is considered a major upset, catapulting her from a respected contender to a likely Oscar nominee. The awards are widely regarded as a key indicator of Academy voting trends, making these victories crucial for both actors' campaigns.
Other Notable Winners and Ceremony Highlights
The night was not solely about the acting categories. The film Megalopolis, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, secured the top prize for Best Picture, affirming its status as a cinematic event. In the television section, the final season of the popular series The Crown was honoured with the award for Best Drama Series, providing a fitting send-off for the historical drama.
Further adding to the evening's prestige, the Critics Choice Awards also bestowed special honours. The SeeHer Award was presented to actress and advocate Jameela Jamil, recognising her work in promoting authentic portrayals of women in media. The ceremony was hosted for the third consecutive year by comedian and writer Chelsea Handler, who guided the proceedings with her signature wit.
Implications for the Oscars and the Road Ahead
The results from the Critics Choice Awards are a pivotal moment in the awards calendar. Historically, there is a strong correlation between winners here and eventual Oscar success. Chalamet's win solidifies his position as a leading candidate for the Best Actor Oscar, potentially marking his first win in the category. For Jessie Buckley, her triumph transforms her from a dark horse into a formidable frontrunner for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar.
Industry analysts suggest that these wins will generate significant momentum for both performers as Oscar nomination voting gets underway. The timing of the ceremony, just as Academy members are finalising their ballots, is seen as perfectly advantageous for Chalamet and Buckley. Their victories have undoubtedly altered the narrative of the season, proving that early frontrunners can be overtaken by standout performances that capture the critics' imagination.
All eyes now turn to the upcoming BAFTA and Guild awards for further clues, but the 2026 Critics Choice Awards will be remembered as the night Timothée Chalamet and Jessie Buckley dramatically surged ahead in the race for Hollywood's highest honour.
