Yes, those other shows are fancier and schmancier, but as a voting member of the Critics Choice Association, the CCAs are where I – and many of my fellow journalist types – get to have our voices heard annually during awards season at a glitzy show in an airplane hangar.
Hosted by Chelsea Handler for a fourth consecutive time, the 31st Critics Choice Awards on Jan. 4, is making a big splash as the first major ceremony out of the gate, with celebrities like Colman Domingo and Jeff Goldblum debuting their 2026 red-carpet finery and Oscar contenders gaining their first momentum. (Usually, the Globes are earlier, but they're Jan. 11 this year.)
Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.
The last three best pictures ("Anora," "Oppenheimer" and "Everything Everywhere All at Once") started their winning paths at CCAs, as did recent best actor (Adrien Brody and Brendan Fraser) and best actress (Emma Stone and Jessica Chastain) honorees.
Who am I picking on my final ballot? Not telling! But here's everything you need to know about this year's Critics Choice Awards.
How do I watch the 31st annual Critics Choice Awards?
For the first time, this year's ceremony will air live on the USA Network – as well as on E! – Sunday, Jan. 4, at 7 ET/4 PT. Hosted by Chelsea Handler, the CCAs will be held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.
Watch the Critics Choice Awards live with Sling
Who's nominated at this year's Critics Choice Awards?
Ryan Coogler's period horror movie "Sinners" leads all film contenders with 17 nominations, including best picture, lead actor (Michael B. Jordan), supporting actress (Wunmi Mosaku), young actor (Miles Caton) and casting. (Yes, we were doing it before the Oscars!) In the battle for best movie, "Sinners" goes up against "One Battle After Another" (which scored 14 total nominations), "Bugonia," "Frankenstein," "Hamnet," "Jay Kelly," "Marty Supreme," "Sentimental Value," "Train Dreams" and "Wicked: For Good."
The best actor contingent features Jordan, Timothée Chalamet ("Marty Supreme"), Leonardo DiCaprio ("One Battle After Another"), Joel Edgerton ("Train Dreams"), Ethan Hawke ("Blue Moon") and Wagner Moura ("The Secret Agent").
"Bugonia" star Emma Stone, who won the best actress prize two years ago for "Poor Things," is back in the category and will compete against Jessie Buckley ("Hamnet"), Rose Byrne ("If I Had Legs I'd Kick You"), Chase Infiniti ("One Battle After Another"), Renate Reinsve ("Sentimental Value") and Amanda Seyfried ("The Testament of Ann Lee").
In the TV categories, "Adolescence" leads all shows with six nominations – including best limited series – while "Nobody Wants This" notched five.
Who will be appearing at the Critics Choice Awards?
Many of the A-listers up for honors, like Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone and Ariana Grande, will likely be in attendance. The confirmed lineup for awards presenters includes Colman Domingo, Diego Luna, Quinta Brunson, Regina Hall, Jeff Goldblum, Noah Schnapp, Allison Janney, Kaley Cuoco, Ava DuVernay, Bradley Whitford, Billy Bob Thornton, Colman Domingo, Diego Luna, Mckenna Grace and William H. Macy.
How can I watch the Critics Choice Awards red carpet?
The "Live from E!: Critics Choice Awards" red carpet special, hosted by Justin Sylvester and Keltie Knight, airs live at 5 ET/2 PT on E! and USA Network.
You must be logged in to post a comment.