The 2026 Critics Choice Awards winners have officially reshaped the landscape of this year's awards season, delivering a night of historic victories, emotional speeches, and undeniable star power. In a ceremony that celebrated the finest in film and television, Irish actress Jessie Buckley secured the Best Actress trophy for her transcendent performance in Hamnet, cementing her status as a frontrunner for the upcoming Oscars. Meanwhile, the gritty British drama Adolescence emerged as the evening's most decorated production, sweeping the limited series categories with four major wins and dominating the conversation at the Critics Choice Awards red carpet 2026.
Jessie Buckley Triumphs as Best Actress for 'Hamnet'
In one of the night's most anticipated categories, Jessie Buckley took home the Best Actress award for her role as Agnes Hathaway in Chloé Zhao’s adaptation of Hamnet. Buckley’s portrayal of William Shakespeare’s grieving wife has been hailed as a career-best performance, and her acceptance speech was a highlight of the broadcast. Visibly moved, Buckley thanked her director and co-star Paul Mescal, describing the project as a journey into "the deepest parts of what it is to be alive."
Her victory at the Critics Choice Awards places her firmly ahead in the race for the Academy Award, edging out stiff competition from other nominees. Critics have praised the film for its lyrical beauty and emotional depth, with Buckley’s grounded yet ethereal performance serving as its anchor. This win marks a significant milestone in the 2026 awards season highlights, signaling a shift toward recognizing intimate, character-driven historical dramas.
'Adolescence' Dominates with Four Major Wins
While film contenders battled for the top movie prizes, it was the Adolescence movie awards buzz—centered around the cinematic quality of the Netflix limited series—that stole the show. The harrowing drama, which follows a 13-year-old boy accused of murder, was the night's biggest winner overall, collecting four trophies. The series won Best Limited Series, proving its dominance over other heavy hitters in the category.
Acting Wins for the 'Adolescence' Cast
The show's ensemble cast was richly rewarded for their powerful work. Stephen Graham took home the award for Best Actor in a Limited Series, while the breakout star, 16-year-old Owen Cooper, won Best Supporting Actor for his heartbreaking portrayal of the accused teenager. Erin Doherty also secured the Best Supporting Actress win, completing a near-clean sweep for the British production. The series has resonated deeply with audiences for its unflinching look at the juvenile justice system, and these 2026 Critics Choice Awards winners have now solidified the show's legacy.
'One Battle After Another' Claims Best Picture
On the film side, Paul Thomas Anderson’s political drama One Battle After Another was named the Critics Choice Best Picture winner. The film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, also earned Anderson the Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay awards. The movie's sweep of the top filmmaking categories suggests it is the formidable favorite moving forward, balancing critical acclaim with industry support.
In other major film news, Timothée Chalamet won Best Actor for his role in the table tennis drama Marty Supreme. Chalamet used his speech to thank his director Josh Safdie and gave a rare public shoutout to his partner, Kylie Jenner, a moment that instantly went viral and became a defining image of the celebrity award news cycle.
Red Carpet Highlights and Fashion Moments
Before the trophies were handed out, the Critics Choice Awards red carpet 2026 dazzled with high fashion and bold statements. Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner made headlines with their coordinated appearance, while Hamnet star Jessie Buckley stunned in a structural, avant-garde gown that perfectly mirrored her film's artistic tone. Other standouts included Elle Fanning in archival Ralph Lauren and Teyana Taylor, who brought edge to the carpet in Saint Laurent.
The fashion choices this year leaned towards vintage glamour and sustainable luxury, reflecting a broader trend in Hollywood. As the stars mingled and celebrated, the atmosphere was electric with the promise of more excitement to come as the road to the Oscars continues.
With the 2026 Critics Choice Awards now concluded, the season's hierarchy is clear. Jessie Buckley and the team behind Adolescence have set a high bar, and the industry is watching closely to see if they can maintain this momentum all the way to the Academy Awards.
