The 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards took place on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at The Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, California, gathering some of Hollywood's most celebrated stars to recognize outstanding achievements in film and television. This event, highly anticipated in the entertainment industry, showcased the talents of actors, directors, and producers who have significantly impacted their craft over the past year.

One of the standout winners of the evening was Seth Rogen, who took home the award for Best Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance in "The Studio." Alongside him, Ike Barinholtz was honored as Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, further celebrating the success of "The Studio," which also received the award for Best Comedy Series. This highlights the show's critical acclaim and popularity among audiences and critics alike.

Another highlight of the event was Teyana Taylor and Paul Thomas Anderson accepting the award for Best Picture for "One Battle After Another." Their emotional acceptance speech underscored the meaningful impact of their film, and the moment was made more special with the support of Wagner Moura and Kleber Mendonca Filho, who presented the award. Additionally, Amy Madigan's win for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Weapons" was met with heartfelt applause, showcasing the depth of talent in supporting roles this year.

Timothée Chalamet was recognized as Best Actor for his compelling performance in "Marty Supreme," solidifying his position as one of Hollywood's leading talents. His win added to a night filled with highly respected actors taking home awards, including Jimmy Kimmel, who received the award for Best Talk Show for "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" His acceptance in the press room highlighted the ongoing popularity of late-night talk shows among audiences.

Jean Smart's victory as Best Actress in a Comedy Series for "Hacks" marked yet another acknowledgment of her stellar career. The announcement was made as she arrived at the event in style, fitting for her notable role. The evening also celebrated the achievements of rising stars like Jessie Buckley, who won Best Actress for "Hamnet," and Rhea Seehorn, who was awarded Best Actress in a Drama Series for "Pluribus." Their wins reflect the diverse range of performances that are resonating with viewers today.

The presentations and awards distribution for the night flowed seamlessly, with notable figures such as Diego Luna presenting awards to winners, adding a layer of excitement to the already charged atmosphere. Katherine LaNasa also garnered attention for accepting the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for "The Pitt," a series that was recognized multiple times throughout the evening.

The ceremony not only celebrated individual performances but also the collaboration of talented ensembles, as seen when Omar Benson Miller, Delroy Lindo, and their co-stars received accolades for Best Casting and Ensemble for "Sinners." The recognition of ensemble casts indicates a growing appreciation for collaborative efforts in storytelling within film and television.

The Critics Choice Awards served as a platform not just for celebrating current successes, but also for acknowledging the contributions of the past. As stars like Jessica Biel presented awards to emerging talents such as Jacob Elordi, the future of cinema and television seems bright. The night culminated with heartfelt moments between winners, like Jimmy Kimmel and his wife, Molly McNearney, who shared a tender moment in the audience, reminding attendees of the personal connections formed through their shared love of the arts.

The 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards clearly showcased a diverse range of talent in both film and television, reinforcing the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of all those involved in the industry. The event's blend of heartfelt acceptance speeches, celebratory presentations, and recognition of both established and emerging talents highlighted the vibrant state of entertainment as the community continues to evolve and inspire. This year's festivities ensure it will be remembered as a significant event in the annual awards season.