2026 Critics Choice Awards: A Glimpse into Hollywood's Future

The 2026 Critics Choice Awards, held in sunny Santa Monica, California, on January 4th, set the stage for what could be a thrilling Oscar season. Two films, "Sinners" and "Frankenstein, " stole the show, each taking home four awards. "Sinners" snagged the best young actor trophy for Miles Caton, while "Frankenstein" earned Jacob Elordi the best supporting actor award. Meanwhile, "One Battle After Another" claimed the top honors, winning best picture, best director for Paul Thomas Anderson, and best adapted screenplay. It's clear that this film is a strong contender for the Oscars. On the small screen, Netflix's "Adolescence" was the talk of the town, bagging four awards. HBO's "The Pitt" and Apple TV's "The Studio" weren't far behind, each securing three wins. The best actor and actress categories saw Timothée Chalamet from "Marty Supreme" and Jessie Buckley from "Hamnet" emerge as victors, putting them in the spotlight for the Academy Awards.The Critics Choice Awards also recognized outstanding achievements in various technical categories. "Frankenstein" impressed with its production design, costume design, and hair and makeup. "F1" was lauded for its editing and sound, while "Avatar: Fire and Ash" wowed with its visual effects. In the world of television, "The Pitt" was crowned the best drama series, with Noah Wyle and Rhea Seehorn earning top acting honors. "The Studio" took home the best comedy series award, with Seth Rogen and Jean Smart shining in their roles. "Adolescence" was a standout in the limited series category, with Stephen Graham and Sarah Snook delivering powerful performances. The Critics Choice Awards not only celebrated exceptional talent but also provided a sneak peek into what the Oscar race might look like. With so many deserving winners, it's clear that the 2026 awards season is shaping up to be an exciting one.