Timothée Chalamet shines at the Critics Choice Awards 2026 alongside Ariana Grande and Elle Fanning

Awards season officially hit pitch fever last night, January 4, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.

The 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards proved that 2025 was a year of massive creative swings and even bigger payoffs.

From the dominance of Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest masterpiece to a sweeping night for Netflix’s "Adolescence", here is everything you need to know about the winners and the watercooler moments from the 2026 ceremony.

Chalamet praised the "Marty Supreme" director for his vision: "Josh, you made a story about a flawed man with a relatable dream, and you didn't preach to the audience what was right or wrong. We should all be telling stories like that. So, thank you for this dream."

In the most talked-about moment of the night, Chalamet turned his focus to his partner, Kylie Jenner, marking their first major public acknowledgment of this nature. He concluded his speech with a direct message to her.

"Lastly, I'll just say thank you to my partner of three years. Thank you for our foundation. I love you, I couldn't do this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

The night’s biggest story was the triumph of Paul Thomas Anderson’s "One Battle After Another". Despite stiff competition from Ryan Coogler’s "Sinners" (which led the night with 17 nominations), Anderson’s epic took home the evening’s most coveted prizes: Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Timothée Chalamet took home Best Actor for his transformative work in "Marty Supreme", while Jessie Buckley edged out a crowded field to win Best Actress for "Hamnet".

Guillermo del Toro’s "Frankenstein" proved its technical prowess, sweeping Best Production Design, Costume Design and Hair and Makeup, with Jacob Elordi pulling off a win for Best Supporting Actor as "The Creature".

Ryan Coogler’s "Sinners" didn’t leave empty-handed, securing Best Original Screenplay, Best Score (Ludwig Göransson), and a win for breakout star Miles Caton (Best Young Actor).

Meanwhile, the moody black carpet showcased sculptural silhouettes, soft pastels and archival revivals.  

Channeling her inner Glinda, Ariana Grande wore Alberta Ferretti.

The "Wicked: For Good" nominee wore a custom pink satin off-the-shoulder gown. The showstopper? A floor-length, embroidered tulle cape-overlay embellished with silver floral appliqués.

Elle Fanning stole the show in a "liquid gold" plunging gown from Ralph Lauren’s Fall/Winter 2003 collection. Fanning proved that the vintage trend is still the ultimate power move.

Always a risk-taker, Teyana Taylor leaned into sharp, gender-bending tailoring with a feathered double-breasted jacket, striped wide tie and over-the-knee boots courtesy of Saint Laurent.