At a Glance
- Sinners leads Critics Choice 2026 with 17 nominations
- Paul Thomas Anderson’s film follows with 14 nods
- Ceremony hosted by Chelsea Handler airs Jan. 4 on E! and USA
Why it matters: The awards spotlight top films and TV shows, with live coverage and red-carpet action.
The 31st Critics Choice Awards, set for Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, will honor the year’s best in film and television. Hosted by comedian Chelsea Handler, the ceremony takes place at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar and will stream live on E! and USA Network.
Nominations Spotlight
Ryan Coogler’s supernatural thriller Sinners tops the nomination list with 17 nods, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan, who is re-teaming with Coogler. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another follows closely with 14 nominations, battling Sinners in several major categories such as Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio. Both films are also in contention for Best Casting, Best Ensemble, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Stunt Design, Best Score, and Best Sound.
At the premiere, Jordan discussed the allure of playing a vampire with Access Hollywood’s Emily Orozco.
Netflix’s Adolescence leads television with six nominations, including a nod for Best Limited Series.
- Best Picture
- Best Director
- Best Actor
- Best Supporting Actress
- Best Young Actor/Actress
Broadcast & Red-Carpet Coverage
The ceremony will air live from 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT to 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on E! and USA Network, with a post-show recap from 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT to 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT. A live red-carpet special, hosted by Justin Sylvester, Keltie Knight, Will Marfuggi, and Erin Lim Rhodes, runs from 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT to 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, featuring CreatorCam segments and sponsor spotlights.
| Segment | Time | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Live ceremony | 7 p.m.-10 p.m. ET | E! & USA Network |
| Post-show recap | 10 p.m.-10:30 p.m. ET | E! & USA Network |
| Red-carpet special | 5 p.m.-7 p.m. ET | E! & USA Network |
| CreatorCam | 6:15 p.m.-7 p.m. ET | E! News Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts |
The red-carpet event features live interviews, sponsor segments, and behind-the-scenes footage streamed across social media platforms.
Key Takeaways
- Sinners leads with 17 nominations, OBA follows with 14.
- Ceremony hosted by Chelsea Handler airs Jan. 4 on E! and USA.
- Live coverage includes red-carpet, CreatorCam, and post-show recap.
With top films and TV shows in the spotlight, the Critics Choice Awards promise a star-studded night of recognition and entertainment.
