The 31st Critics Choice Awards delivered a night of major surprises, sweeping wins, and defining moments for both cinema and television. While One Battle After Another emerged as the biggest overall winner by claiming Best Picture, it was Timothée Chalamet who stole the spotlight by winning Best Actor for his performance in Marty Supreme, upstaging industry veterans and reaffirming his position as one of the most compelling actors of his generation.
Held on Sunday night at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, the Critics Choice Awards 2026 celebrated excellence across film and television, with genre storytelling enjoying an especially strong year. Gothic horror epic Frankenstein led the film categories in terms of trophies, while Adolescence dominated the television segment.
A Night of Big Wins and Bigger Statements
The Critics Choice Awards are often seen as a key indicator of awards-season momentum, and the 2026 edition reflected shifting tastes within the industry. Prestige dramas, bold genre films, and creator-driven television projects took center stage, highlighting the growing diversity of storytelling in global entertainment.
Although One Battle After Another walked away with the coveted Best Picture award, the night belonged equally to Frankenstein, which emerged as the most decorated film, and Sinners, which performed strongly across creative categories.
Timothée Chalamet’s Defining Moment
One of the evening’s most talked-about moments came when Timothée Chalamet was announced as Best Actor for Marty Supreme. The win marked a significant milestone in Chalamet’s career, placing him firmly among the elite performers of his era.
His victory was particularly notable given the intense competition in the category, which included established stars and critically lauded performances. Critics praised Chalamet’s portrayal in Marty Supreme for its emotional depth, restraint, and transformative intensity—qualities that ultimately resonated with voters.
Film Categories: Full List of Winners
Film
- Best Picture: One Battle After Another
- Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)
- Best Actor: Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme)
- Best Actress: Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
- Best Supporting Actor: Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein)
- Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan (Weapons)
- Best Young Actor/Actress: Miles Caton (Sinners)
- Best Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler (Sinners)
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)
- Best Casting and Ensemble: Francine Maisler (Sinners)
- Best Comedy: The Naked Gun
- Best Animated Feature: KPop Demon Hunters
Frankenstein Leads Technical Categories
Mary Shelley’s iconic tale found new life in Frankenstein, which excelled across multiple technical and craft categories. The film’s atmospheric production design, costumes, and makeup were widely praised for elevating the horror genre to prestige-cinema levels.
- Best Production Design: Tamara Deverell & Shane Vieau (Frankenstein)
- Best Costume Design: Kate Hawley (Frankenstein)
- Best Hair and Makeup: Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel & Cliona Furey (Frankenstein)
Craft and Music Awards
- Best Cinematography: Adolpho Veloso (Train Dreams)
- Best Editing: Stephen Mirrione (F1)
- Best Stunt Design: Wade Eastwood (Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning)
- Best Sound: Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo, Juan Peralta & Gareth John (F1)
- Best Visual Effects: Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon & Daniel Barrett (Avatar: Fire and Ash)
- Best Score: Ludwig Göransson (Sinners)
- Best Song: Golden – Ejae, Mark Sonnenblick, Ido, 24 & Teddy (KPop Demon Hunters)
- Best Foreign Language Film: The Secret Agent
Television Categories: Adolescence Takes the Lead
The television segment of the Critics Choice Awards 2026 saw Adolescence emerge as the most successful series of the night, winning across acting and series categories. The show’s gripping storytelling and standout performances made it a clear favorite among critics.
Television
- Best Drama Series: The Pitt
- Best Comedy Series: The Studio
- Best Limited Series: Adolescence
- Best Movie Made for Television: Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
Acting Winners in Television
- Best Actor, Drama Series: Noah Wyle (The Pitt)
- Best Actor, Comedy Series: Seth Rogen (The Studio)
- Best Actor, Limited Series: Stephen Graham (Adolescence)
- Best Actress, Drama Series: Rhea Seehorn (Pluribus)
- Best Actress, Comedy Series: Jean Smart (Hacks)
- Best Actress, Limited Series: Sarah Snook (All Her Fault)
Supporting Roles Shine
- Best Supporting Actor, Drama Series: Tramell Tillman (Severance)
- Best Supporting Actor, Comedy Series: Ike Barinholtz (The Studio)
- Best Supporting Actor, Limited Series/Movie: Owen Cooper (Adolescence)
- Best Supporting Actress, Drama Series: Katherine LaNasa (The Pitt)
- Best Supporting Actress, Comedy Series: Janelle James (Abbott Elementary)
- Best Supporting Actress, Limited Series/Movie: Erin Doherty (Adolescence)
Variety and Animation Winners
- Best Animated Series: South Park
- Best Foreign Language Series: Squid Game
- Best Talk Show: Jimmy Kimmel Live!
- Best Comedy Special: SNL50: The Anniversary Special
- Best Variety Series: Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
Final Thoughts: A Reflection of Changing Times
The Critics Choice Awards 2026 highlighted an industry in transition—where genre films command respect, television rivals cinema in prestige, and younger actors like Timothée Chalamet continue to redefine stardom.
With major wins for One Battle After Another, Frankenstein, Sinners, and Adolescence, the ceremony showcased the breadth and depth of storytelling that defined the past year in entertainment.
As awards season continues, these victories are likely to influence upcoming ceremonies, including the Oscars and Emmys, making the Critics Choice Awards 2026 a pivotal moment in the cultural calendar.