Awards season is kicking off just four days into the new year with the 2026 Critics Choice Awards!
Chelsea Handler is hosting the annual event on Sunday evening (January 4) at Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, Calif, for the fourth year in a row.
There is a stacked list of presenters this evening, from Wicked stars to Kpop Demon Hunters stars and singers, a Stranger Things actor and many more!
Keep reading to find out more…
Ryan Coogler‘s Sinners movie leads the nominations with 17, while One Battle After Another comes in second with 14 noms overall. Also among the nominees include Wicked: For Good, Marty Supreme, Bugonia, Weapons, Jay Kelly and more.
On the TV side, Adolescence leads with six, followed by Nobody Wants This with five. Ghosts, The Diplomat, The Pitt, The Morning Show, Abbott Elementary, Hacks and more are also nominated.
Check out the full list of nominations here!
The 2026 Critics Choice Awards are airing LIVE on E! and USA Network from 7-10pm ET/PT.
Keep reading below to see all of the major stars in attendance…
Ariana Grande (Wicked: For Good)
FYI: Ariana is wearing an Alberta Ferretti dress.
Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another)
FYI: Teyana is wearing a Saint Laurent look with Tiffany & Co jewelry.
Paul W Downs & Megan Stalter (Hacks)
Nicole Brydon Bloom (Paradise)
FYI: Nicole is wearing an Akris gown.
Sarah Shahi (Paradise)
Chelsea Handler (Host)
FYI: Chelsea is wearing Jennifer Meyer jewelry.
Noah Schnapp (Stranger Things)
Matthew Rhys (The Beast In Me) & Keri Russell (The Diplomat)
Alexander Skarsgard (Pillion)
Jean Smart (Hacks)
FYI: Jean is wearing jewelry from Saidian Vintage Jewels.