Summary (tl;dr)

Jessie Buckley, Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham, and Erin Doherty are trending following their respective wins at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards. Buckley took home Best Actress for "Hamnet," while Cooper, Graham, and Doherty were honored for their performances in the Netflix drama "Adolescence," which also won Best Limited Series.

Essential Background

The Critics Choice Awards are an annual event recognizing excellence in cinematic and television achievement, as voted on by critics and journalists. They are often seen as an early indicator of potential nominations and winners for other major awards, including the Academy Awards.

The Full Story

On January 4, 2026, the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards ceremony was held, where several notable actors were recognized for their outstanding work. Jessie Buckley was awarded Best Actress for her compelling performance in the historical drama "Hamnet," a film that explores the life of William Shakespeare's wife, Agnes Hathaway, and the aftermath of their son's death. Meanwhile, the British Netflix series "Adolescence" garnered significant attention, with its stars Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham, and Erin Doherty all receiving accolades. Owen Cooper, 16, won Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series, Stephen Graham secured Best Actor in a Limited Series, and Erin Doherty was named Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series. The series "Adolescence," which focuses on a 13-year-old boy arrested for a classmate's murder, was also honored as the Best Limited Series. The awards ceremony was hosted by Chelsea Handler.

Why It Matters

The recognition of these actors and their respective projects at the Critics Choice Awards highlights significant achievements in film and television, potentially influencing future viewership and awards season momentum. The success of "Hamnet" and "Adolescence" underscores the critical acclaim for their storytelling and performances, bringing these works and their stars to a broader public consciousness. These awards serve as a key industry event, setting a tone for the upcoming awards season.

Geographic Location

• Barker Hangar, Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California, United States (location of the 2026 Critics Choice Awards ceremony)