Critics' Choice Awards 2026: Shocking Wins and Devastating Snubs
The 31st Critics' Choice Awards delivered unexpected victories and heartbreaking defeats that left Hollywood buzzing. From Timothée Chalamet's historic win to major franchise disappointments, here's who celebrated and who went home empty-handed.
The 31st Critics' Choice Awards wrapped up at Santa Monica's Barker Hangar with Chelsea Handler hosting for her fourth consecutive year. The ceremony delivered stunning upsets and predictable victories that had social media exploding with reactions.
Major Victories That Defined the Night
Timothée Chalamet claimed Best Actor for his portrayal of table tennis legend Marty Reisman in "Marty Supreme." The Josh Safdie-directed sports comedy earned Chalamet his first Critics' Choice trophy, making him the youngest winner in the category's history. During his acceptance speech, Chalamet thanked girlfriend Kylie Jenner, calling her his "partner of three years" and crediting their "foundation" for his success.
"One Battle After Another" secured Best Picture in what many considered an obvious choice. Paul Thomas Anderson's black comedy thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Regina Hall, and Benicio del Toro dominated the evening. The film earned nine Golden Globe nominations and appears positioned for major Oscar recognition.
Jacob Elordi finally broke through with his first major acting award, winning Best Supporting Actor for his performance as the Creature in "Frankenstein." The victory came after years of building his dramatic credentials beyond teen heartthrob roles. Elordi faces double Golden Globe nominations this year for both "Frankenstein" and "The Narrow Road to the Deep North."
Breakthrough Performances and Long-Awaited Recognition
Miles Caton earned Best Young Actor/Actress for his work as Samuel "Sammie" Moore in "Sinners." At 20 years old, Caton barely qualified for the under-21 category but delivered a performance that silenced age-related criticism.
Rhea Seehorn finally claimed her first Critics' Choice Award after four nominations. Her portrayal of Carol Sturka in Apple TV's post-apocalyptic series "Pluribus" earned Best Actress in a Drama Series. The show, which boasts a 98% Rotten Tomatoes rating, explores humanity's transformation into a peaceful hive mind through an alien virus.
Stunning Defeats That Shocked Hollywood
"Wicked: For Good" suffered the night's biggest disappointment, going winless despite seven nominations including Best Picture. The musical sequel's shutout left fans outraged, especially given Cynthia Erivo's snub in the Best Actress category. Social media erupted with accusations that critics failed to appreciate the film's cultural impact.
"Sinners" lost Best Cinematography despite Autumn Durald Arkapaw's visually stunning work. The award went to "Train Dreams," though many argued Ryan Coogler's film deserved recognition for its technical achievements. Coogler himself missed out on Best Director, losing to Anderson.
Adam Scott's loss in Best Actor for a Drama Series particularly stung fans. His dual performance as Mark Scout/Mark S. in "Severance" generated massive buzz, but Noah Wyle from "The Pitt" took home the trophy. Critics questioned whether Scott faces an inexplicable bias from awards voters.
Surprising Category Outcomes
"Pluribus" failed to win Best Drama Series despite Seehorn's individual victory. "The Pitt" claimed the top prize, leaving many wondering if the post-apocalyptic thriller's complex themes proved too challenging for voters.
The ceremony highlighted the unpredictable nature of awards season. While some victories felt inevitable, others defied expectations and industry predictions. These results will likely influence Oscar voting patterns and Golden Globe outcomes in the coming weeks.