The 2026 awards season has officially commenced in spectacular style, with the 31st annual Critics Choice Awards transforming Santa Monica's Barker Hangar into a hub of Hollywood glamour this Sunday, 4th January. The ceremony, hosted once again by Chelsea Handler, served as the first major televised event of the year, setting the stage for the upcoming Oscars with its renowned predictive power.
Red Carpet Fashion Steals the Spotlight
Before a single trophy was handed out, the red carpet delivered a parade of breathtaking fashion moments. Host Chelsea Handler, returning for her fourth consecutive year, made a striking entrance in a dark off-shoulder green gown, accessorised with a delicate diamond necklace and matching bracelets.
She was joined by a host of A-listers showcasing diverse styles. Mia Goth captivated in a bridal-inspired white gown, while Justine Lupe opted for a light mint pleated number. Odessa A'zion made a sparkling statement in silver, and Nicole Brydon Bloom elegantly showcased her baby bump in a flowing cream sequin dress. Veteran actor Jeff Goldblum commanded attention in his signature eccentric style, wearing a cream double-breasted tuxedo jacket.
The carpet also saw touching moments, such as Krys Marshall cradling her baby bump in a sleek cream gown, and rare joint appearances like that of Bob Odenkirk and his wife Naomi. From Sheryl Lee Ralph's stunning burgundy ballgown to Craig Robinson's bold burgundy suit, the fashion set a high bar for the season ahead.
Sinners Dominates the Nominations Race
Inside the venue, the focus shifted to cinematic and television excellence. Ryan Coogler's film 'Sinners' emerged as the undisputed frontrunner, amassing a staggering 17 nominations across film and television categories. This impressive haul places it just one nod shy of the record 18 set by 'Barbie' in 2024.
Hot on its heels is 'One Battle After Another' with 14 nominations, followed by 'Hamnet' and 'Frankenstein', each securing 11. The acting categories are fiercely competitive. The Best Actor race features heavyweights like Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Michael B. Jordan. Similarly, the Best Actress category includes Jessie Buckley, Emma Stone, and Amanda Seyfried.
Notably, Ariana Grande scored a Best Supporting Actress nomination for 'Wicked: For Good', while her co-star Cynthia Erivo was surprisingly snubbed. In television, the Netflix limited series 'Adolescence' leads the pack with six nominations, closely followed by the comedy 'Nobody Wants This' with five.
A Crystal Ball for the Oscars
The Critics Choice Awards have long been considered a reliable bellwether for Academy Award success. This predictive reputation was reinforced last season when 'Anora' used its Critics Choice Best Picture win as a springboard to Oscar glory after being overlooked at the Golden Globes and SAG Awards.
With the ceremony introducing four new categories this year—including Best Variety Series and Best Stunt Design—and airing live on the USA Network and E!, the event solidifies its position as an essential and glamorous kick-off to the awards season calendar. All eyes will now be on the results to see which contenders gain crucial momentum for the upcoming Oscars.
