Tonight is the big night for the Critics Choice Awards 2026. The 31st annual ceremony kicks off at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on E! and USA Network, with Chelsea Handler returning to host for the fourth consecutive year. Ryan Coogler’s Sinners absolutely dominates the nomination race with 17 nods, but it faces a tough battle for Best Picture.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Sinners leads with 17 nominations, nearly matching Barbie’s record of 18
- The ceremony airs live from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California tonight
- One Battle After Another follows with 14 nominations in tight Best Picture race
- Frankenstein and Hamnet each scored 11 nominations apiece
Sinners Dominates Nominations but One Battle Takes Momentum
America’s Next Top Model documentary drops today on Netflix with shocking revelations
Dana Eden dies at 52, Tehran producer found dead in Athens hotel
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners earned nominations across every major category. Michael B. Jordan leads the cast with a Best Actor nomination, while Wunmi Mosaku earned Best Supporting Actress nod. The vampire period drama also received strong technical recognition including nominations for costume and production design.
However, most awards experts predict One Battle After Another will take the top prize tonight. Paul Thomas Anderson’s acclaimed film rides a wave of momentum after winning at the National Society of Film Critics. The race represents the year’s biggest awards battle between two major contenders.
Chelsea Handler Returns as Fourth-Time Host
Tommy Lee Jones’ daughter was pregnant before her tragic death, court docs reveal
J Cole announces The Fall-Off world tour, first global dates in decades
Chelsea Handler returns to the hosting podium for her fourth consecutive year leading the Critics Choice Awards. The comedian brings her signature humor and energy to the three-hour broadcast. Handler has become synonymous with the show, hosting since 2024 and returning year after year.
The event will showcase star-studded presenters including Allison Janney, Ava DuVernay, and Jeff Goldblum. The ceremony celebrates the finest in film and television achievement, with both movie and TV categories featured throughout the night.
| Category | Details |
| Date | January 4, 2026 |
| Time | 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT |
| Duration | 3 hours (7 p.m.-10 p.m. ET) |
| Broadcast | E! and USA Network |
Where to Watch Live Coverage Tonight
Tune in to E! and USA Network for the full ceremony tonight starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The network offers multiple ways to watch including streaming on USANetwork.com and apps for USA, E!, SYFY, and Oxygen. E! will also provide live coverage across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and its digital platforms.
The Critics Choice Awards consistently predict Academy Award nominations, making tonight essential viewing for any awards season fan. Coverage of the red carpet begins earlier in the evening, so tune in early to catch celebrity arrivals and exclusive interviews.
What to Expect Tomorrow Morning on Peacock
If you miss the live broadcast tonight, episodes will replay the following day on Peacock for streaming on-demand access. This gives viewers flexibility to watch the complete ceremony at their convenience. The full show will be available for replay within 24 hours of the live broadcast.
The Critics Choice Awards remain one of the most influential predictor ceremonies of the awards season. Winners announced tonight will shape conversations heading into the Academy Awards in spring. Best Picture, Best Director, and acting categories generate the most buzz, but all categories matter for awards season momentum.
Sources
- Variety – Critics Choice predictions and award coverage
- E! Entertainment – Official broadcast and scheduling information
- Critics Choice Association – Official nominations and ceremony details
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.