Full Breakdown
2026 Critics Choice Awards Nominations Announced
12/5/2025, 7:45:16 PM
Overview of the Nominations
The Critics Choice Association has unveiled the nominees for the 31st annual Critics Choice Awards, which will take place on January 4, 2026, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. The event will be hosted by Chelsea Handler, marking her fourth consecutive year in this role. The awards ceremony will be broadcast live on E! and USA Network from 7 p.m. ET/PT.
Leading Contenders
In the film categories, Ryan Coogler's *Sinners* leads with an impressive 17 nominations, including nods for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. Following closely is *One Battle After Another*, which garnered 14 nominations, and *Hamnet* and *Frankenstein*, each with 11 nominations. Other notable films include *Marty Supreme* with eight nominations and *F1*, *Sentimental Value*, and *Wicked: For Good*, each receiving seven nominations.
In the television categories, Netflix's *Adolescence* stands out with six nominations, including Best Limited Series. Other prominent contenders include *Nobody Wants This*, which received five nominations, and *The Diplomat* and *Death by Lightning*, each with four nominations.
New Categories and Industry Context
This year's awards introduce four new categories: Best Variety Series, Best Stunt Design, Best Casting and Ensemble, and Best Sound. These additions reflect the evolving landscape of entertainment and the diverse ways audiences engage with film and television.
The nominations come amid significant industry changes, including Netflix's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. in an $82.7 billion deal, which could reshape the competitive dynamics of Hollywood.
Official Statements
Joey Berlin, CEO of the Critics Choice Association, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming ceremony, stating, “We are thrilled to share this incredible group of nominees with audiences around the world today, and can’t wait to celebrate this year’s outstanding performances and projects at the Critics Choice Awards on January 4th.”
Conclusion
The 2026 Critics Choice Awards nominations highlight a competitive year in film and television, with *Sinners* and *Adolescence* emerging as frontrunners. As the awards season unfolds, the Critics Choice Awards will serve as a key indicator of potential Academy Award nominations.
