The glittering awards season of 2026 officially begins this weekend with one of the most anticipated events in entertainment. The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards is set to honour the finest achievements in cinema, television, and streaming from the past year. Marking the first major award ceremony of the new year, this star-studded affair promises an evening of glamour and recognition.
When, Where, and How to Watch the Grand Event
The 31st Critics Choice Awards will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The ceremony will take place at the iconic Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. For viewers eager to catch all the action live, the three-hour broadcast is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) / 4:00 PM Pacific Time (PT).
Indian audiences and global fans can watch the event live on the E! and USA Network channels. Additionally, a live stream will be available on USANetwork.com and through the official apps for USA Network, E!, SYFY, and Oxygen. The show will be hosted by the renowned comedian and television host, Chelsea Handler.
For those who do not want to miss any red-carpet fashion moments, the live pre-show coverage begins earlier at 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT on the same networks.
Star-Studded Presenters and Leading Nominees
The ceremony will feature an impressive lineup of presenters from Hollywood's elite. The list includes established stars and exciting new talent such as Jeff Goldblum, Kaley Cuoco, Regina Hall, Diego Luna, Quinta Brunson, William H Macy, Alicia Silverstone, and Bradley Whitford, among many others.
This year, the awards introduce four new competitive categories to acknowledge broader excellence: Best Variety Series, Best Stunt Design, Best Casting and Ensemble, and Best Sound.
On the film front, the movie "Sinners" leads the pack with a staggering 17 nominations, making it the top contender. It is followed by "Adolescence," which has secured six nominations. In the television categories, "Adolescence" also leads with six nods, including one for Best Limited Series. The show "Nobody Wants This" follows closely with five nominations.
Social Buzz and What Comes Next
Fans can join the global conversation online by using the official hashtag #CriticsChoiceAwards. The awards show can be followed on social media platforms including Instagram and X (@CriticsChoice), TikTok (@OfficialCriticsChoice), and Facebook (/CriticsChoiceAwards). The event is sponsored by brands like FIJI Water, Milagro Tequila, Cold Stone Creamery, and Wetzel's Pretzels.
The red-carpet pre-show will be hosted by Justin Sylvester and Keltie Knight, along with Will Marfuggi and Erin Lim, ensuring comprehensive coverage from the moment stars begin to arrive.
The awards season continues its momentum just a week later with the 83rd Annual Golden Globes scheduled for January 11, 2026, in Beverly Hills. That event will celebrate the best in film, television, and podcasting, with Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" leading its nominations with nine.
