Critics Choice Awards 2026: “Sinners” Leads Film Categories | Full List of Winners
The 31st Critics Choice Awards officially launched the 2026 awards season with a night that celebrated bold storytelling, standout performances, and ambitious filmmaking. Held on January 4, 2026, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica and hosted by Chelsea Handler, the ceremony honored the best in film and television as selected by the Critics Choice Association.
While the top prize of the evening—Best Picture—went to One Battle After Another, it was Sinners that emerged as the most talked-about film of the night. Leading all films with 17 nominations, Sinners dominated multiple categories and secured its place as a major awards-season contender.
“Sinners” Dominates the Film Categories
Directed by Ryan Coogler, Sinners is a genre-bending, socially charged film that blends horror, history, and emotional depth. Critics praised its originality, ensemble strength, and cultural resonance—recognition that translated into four major wins, tying it for the most awards among films this year.
Sinners won:
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Best Original Screenplay
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Best Casting and Ensemble
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Best Score
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Best Young Actor/Actress
The film’s success reinforced its reputation as one of the most daring and creatively ambitious projects of the year, with its cast and creative team receiving strong standing ovations throughout the evening.
Best Picture and Top Honors
Despite Sinners’ strong showing, the night’s highest honor—Best Picture—went to One Battle After Another, a sweeping, emotionally intense film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Anderson also took home Best Director, solidifying the film’s critical acclaim and positioning it as a frontrunner moving forward in awards season.
Acting Winners: Standout Performances Recognized
The Critics Choice Awards highlighted a year of exceptional performances across the board:
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Best Actor: Timothée Chalamet — Marty Supreme
Chalamet’s transformative performance earned widespread praise for its intensity and nuance. -
Best Actress: Jessie Buckley — Hamnet
Buckley delivered one of the most emotionally resonant performances of the year. -
Best Supporting Actor: Jacob Elordi — Frankenstein
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Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan — Weapons
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Best Young Actor/Actress: Miles Caton — Sinners
Additional Film Category Winners
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Best Original Screenplay: Sinners — Ryan Coogler
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Best Score: Sinners — Ludwig Göransson
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Best Casting and Ensemble: Sinners
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Technical Awards: Frankenstein earned multiple wins across design-related categories, including costume and production design.
Television Highlights
The ceremony also honored excellence in television, with several series making strong impressions:
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Best Drama Series: The Pitt
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Best Comedy Series: The Studio
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Best Limited Series: Adolescence, which also earned multiple acting awards.
A Strong Start to Awards Season
The 2026 Critics Choice Awards set a confident tone for the months ahead. With Sinners proving its cultural and creative power, and One Battle After Another securing top honors, the ceremony reflected a year defined by bold storytelling, diverse voices, and artistic risk-taking.
As Hollywood moves closer to the Academy Awards, the Critics Choice results have made one thing clear: the 2026 awards season will be fiercely competitive—and unforgettable.
