The 31st Critics Choice Awards, one of the most anticipated events of the awards season, is all set to honour the finest achievements in film and television from the past year. The ceremony will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, bringing together Hollywood's elite for a night of celebration and recognition. Hosted once again by the popular comedian Chelsea Handler, the event promises glamour, excitement, and keen insights into the year's top cinematic and small-screen contenders.
How and Where to Watch the Critics Choice Awards 2026 in India
For fans in India, the ceremony will be available via live stream. The broadcast will air on JioHotstar, ensuring viewers don't miss a moment of the action. The festivities begin with the official red carpet coverage, where fashion and celebrity interviews take centre stage. The red carpet special starts at 3:30 AM IST on Monday, January 5. Following this, the main awards ceremony will commence live at 5:30 AM IST.
In the United States, the event will be broadcast live from the iconic Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport. The main show airs from 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET to 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET. The red carpet pre-show, titled 'LIVE from E!: Critics Choice Awards red carpet special,' kicks off two hours earlier at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET. Both the red carpet and the ceremony will be telecast on the E! and USA Network channels.
For cord-cutters, several streaming options are available. Services like DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV will carry the live broadcast. Platforms such as Fubo and DirecTV are even offering five-day free trials for new subscribers. If you miss the live event, a replay will be available on Peacock the next day.
A Look at the Top Nominees for 2026
This year's nominations have set the stage for a highly competitive race, especially in the film categories. Leading the pack is the movie 'Sinners' with an impressive 17 nominations, making it the most recognised title by the Critics Choice Association. It is closely followed by 'One Battle After Another,' which secured 14 nods. The films 'Hamnet' and 'Frankenstein' are also strong contenders, each garnering 11 nominations.
On the television front, the nominations highlight a powerful mix of critical darlings and popular hits. The series 'Adolescence' leads with six nominations, earning the distinction of the most recognised TV title this year. 'Nobody Wants This' follows with five nominations. A host of other acclaimed shows, including 'All Her Fault,' 'Death by Lightning,' 'Ghosts,' 'Hacks,' 'Severance,' 'The Diplomat,' and 'The Pitt,' are in close pursuit with four nominations each.
Significance and What to Expect
The Critics Choice Awards hold substantial weight in the awards season landscape. They are widely considered a key predictor for upcoming major ceremonies like the BAFTAs and the Oscars, particularly for films. While the outcomes don't always perfectly align, these awards frequently shine a spotlight on emerging frontrunners and performances that have deeply resonated with critics.
With the familiar and witty Chelsea Handler returning for her fourth consecutive year as host, a slate of fiercely competitive nominees, and comprehensive live coverage, the 2026 Critics Choice Awards are poised to be a must-watch event. From the dazzling red carpet fashion statements to the announcement of the winners, the ceremony will offer both celebration and crucial clues about the direction of this year's awards race.
