Summary (tl;dr)

The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards are trending today, January 4, 2026, as the live ceremony is underway, honoring outstanding achievements in film and television from the past year.

Essential Background

The Critics Choice Awards are presented annually by the Critics Choice Association (CCA) to recognize excellence in cinematic and television programming. These awards are historically significant as they are often seen as a strong indicator for subsequent Academy Award nominations, marking them as a crucial event that kicks off Hollywood's awards season.

The Full Story

The 31st Critics Choice Awards are taking place live today, Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. Comedian Chelsea Handler is hosting the event for the fourth consecutive year. Nominations for both film and television categories were announced on December 5, 2025. Ryan Coogler's supernatural horror film "Sinners" leads the film nominations with an impressive 17 nods, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan. In the television categories, Netflix's limited series "Adolescence" received the most nominations with six. This year's ceremony also features the introduction of four new categories: Best Casting and Ensemble, Best Sound, and Best Stunt Design for film, and Best Variety Series for television. The event is being broadcast live on E! and USA Network, with pre-show red carpet coverage also airing.

Why It Matters

The Critics Choice Awards are a pivotal event in the entertainment industry, offering early recognition for exceptional work in film and television and often shaping the narrative for the broader awards season. The significant number of nominations for films like "Sinners" and "One Battle After Another," alongside television series such as "Adolescence," generates considerable public and industry interest. Viewers are keen to see which productions and talents will be celebrated, and the ceremony provides a platform for fashion, memorable speeches, and a glimpse into potential Oscar contenders. The addition of new categories reflects an evolving recognition of diverse crafts within filmmaking and television production.

Geographic Location

• Barker Hangar, Santa Monica Airport, Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California, United States (31st Critics Choice Awards ceremony and red carpet)