Critics Choice 2026: ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Adolescence’ tie top wins; ‘A Battle After Another’ clinches Best Film

The 31st Critics Choice Awards ceremony, held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, saw a dynamic distribution of accolades, with Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” and the Netflix limited series “Adolescence” emerging as co-leaders, each securing four major awards. The evening, however, culminated with “A Battle After Another” earning the coveted Best Film honor, solidifying its status as a frontrunner in the ongoing awards season.

This year’s Critics Choice Awards, presented by the largest association of critics in the United States and Canada, celebrated outstanding achievements across film and television. While two productions dominated the individual award count, the top cinematic prize went to a critically acclaimed drama.

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The event not only highlighted compelling narratives and artistic innovation but also recognized international talent, with a significant win for Brazilian cinema. The diverse array of winners underscored a rich year for storytelling across various platforms.

“A Battle After Another” triumphs at the ceremony

Paul Thomas Anderson’s “A Battle After Another” garnered three significant awards, including Best Film, a testament to its compelling narrative and masterful execution. Anderson himself was recognized for Best Director, further cementing his vision for the project.

The film also received an award for Best Adapted Screenplay, highlighting the strength of its writing. While Leonardo DiCaprio was nominated for Best Actor, the film’s broad appeal resonated deeply with critics, securing its place as the night’s ultimate cinematic victor.

Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” secures craft awards

Guillermo del Toro’s reimagining of Mary Shelley’s classic “Frankenstein” showcased its artistic brilliance by winning four categories. The film’s aesthetic and technical prowess were heavily rewarded by the critics.

Among its wins were Best Supporting Actor for Jacob Elordi, who delivered a standout performance. Additionally, the film was honored for its exceptional artistry in Production Design, Hair and Makeup, and Costume Design, emphasizing its visual impact.

“Adolescence” dominates limited series categories

The Netflix miniseries “Adolescence” also matched “Frankenstein” with four awards, dominating the television limited series categories. Its nuanced storytelling and powerful performances captivated critics.

The series earned the prestigious Best Limited Series award, along with individual acting accolades. Stephen Graham took home Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television, while Owen Cooper secured Best Supporting Actor and Erin Doherty won Best Supporting Actress in the same category, underscoring the ensemble’s strength.

International acclaim for “The Secret Agent”

The Brazilian film “O Agente Secreto” (The Secret Agent) made a notable impact on the international stage, winning the award for Best Foreign Language Film. This victory underscored the growing global recognition for Brazilian cinematic productions.

Performance highlights

The acting categories saw a blend of established stars and rising talents recognized for their compelling portrayals. Timothée Chalamet was named Best Actor for his role in “Marty Supreme,” a performance that resonated deeply with critics for its intensity and depth. Jessie Buckley earned the Best Actress award for “Hamnet,” delivering a memorable and emotionally charged performance.

Amy Madigan was celebrated as Best Supporting Actress for “A Hora do Mal” (The Hour of Evil), adding to the diverse range of talent acknowledged. Miles Caton was recognized as Best Young Actor or Actress for “Pecadores” (Sinners), signaling a bright future for the young performer in the industry. These wins collectively highlighted the Critics Choice Awards’ commitment to celebrating excellence across all acting spectrums, from lead roles to pivotal supporting characters, ensuring a broad appreciation of talent.

Celebrating diverse talent and technical excellence

Beyond the major film awards, the ceremony also recognized excellence in various other categories, celebrating the intricate craftsmanship behind cinematic and television productions. “Pecadores” (Sinners) secured the award for Best Ensemble, a testament to its strong and cohesive cast. Adolpho Veloso’s cinematography for “Sonhos de Trem” (Train Dreams) was honored with Best Cinematography, showcasing the visual mastery involved.

In the realm of television drama, “The Pitt” was named Best Drama Series, with Noah Wyle winning Best Actor for his role in the show, and Katherine LaNasa recognized as Best Supporting Actress. On the comedy front, “O Estúdio” (The Studio) took Best Comedy Series, with Seth Rogen earning Best Actor and Ike Barinholtz winning Best Supporting Actor. Jean Smart’s performance in “Hacks” earned her Best Actress in a Comedy Series, while Janelle James was recognized as Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for “Abbott Elementary,” further emphasizing the breadth of talent across genres.

A prelude to the awards season

The Critics Choice Awards often serve as a significant indicator for subsequent major awards ceremonies, including the Academy Awards. The strong showing by “A Battle After Another” in key categories like Best Film, Director, and Adapted Screenplay positions it as a formidable contender for upcoming accolades. Similarly, the widespread recognition for “Frankenstein” in craft categories and “Adolescence” in television underscores their critical acclaim and potential influence on other prestigious awards, setting an exciting tone for the remainder of the awards season.