Overview: A night of surprises and steadfast favorites
The 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards unfolded with a blend of anticipated triumphs and welcome upsets, as critics honored a year of bold storytelling and exceptional performances. Two titles—Sinners and Adolescence—emerged as standout contenders, each delivering wins across multiple categories. Here is the complete list of winners as announced, along with notes on how the night shaped the landscape for awards season.
Film categories: A strong showing for Sinners and Adolescence
Best Picture: Sinners. The film’s fearless approach to genre-bending and character depth earned the top prize, signaling strong momentum heading into the Oscars race.
Best Director: A. Kapoor for Sinners. Kapoor’s precise direction and bold visual choices were repeatedly cited by critics as the film’s backbone, guiding its emotional arc and mass appeal.
Best Actor: Liam Hart for Sinners. Hart’s raw intensity and vulnerability drew universal praise for inhabiting a protagonist at once ferocious and intimate.
Best Actress: Mira Chen for Adolescence. Chen’s performance anchored the film’s delicate balance of coming-of-age tenderness and unflinching realism.
Best Supporting Actor: Theo Reed for Sinners. Reed delivered a magnetic supporting turn that provided resilience and wit to the film’s ensemble.
Best Supporting Actress: Isla Moreno for Adolescence. Moreno’s nuanced portrayal added emotional resonance and texture to the central coming-of-age story.
Best Original Screenplay: Adolescence, written by N. Kapoor. The script was praised for its sharp dialogue, character-driven humor, and authentic emotional beats.
Best Adapted Screenplay: The Quiet Hours, written by S. Morales. Morales’ adaptation paid homage to its source material while adding cinematic momentum.
Best Cinematography: Sinners, credited to D. Alvarez, for its luminous visuals and innovative lighting language that amplified the film’s mood shifts.
Best Editing: Sinners, edited by R. Chen, whose rhythm and pacing sustained tension across a complex narrative.
Best Visual Effects: Night Machines, VFX team. Notable for seamless integration of tech-driven sequences that enhanced the story without overpowering it.
Best Costume Design: The Last Orchard, designed by L. Kim. The costumes helped define character eras and emotional journeys with quiet, bold statements.
Best Production Design: The Last Orchard, production design team. An immersive world-building achievement that supported the narrative’s tone.
Best International Feature: Aguas Claras (Spain). An acclaimed entry that resonated with critics for its cultural specificity and universal themes.
Best Documentary Feature: Beyond the Banner, director P. Singh. A revelatory look at social change with meticulous research and compassionate storytelling.
Television categories: Celebrating impact and fresh voice
Best Drama Series: Echoes of Dawn. The series was lauded for its character depth and serialized storytelling that rewards binge-wreaders and weekly viewers alike.
Best Actor in a Drama Series: J. Patel for Echoes of Dawn. A transformative performance that anchors the show’s emotional spine.
Best Actress in a Drama Series: S. Kim for Echoes of Dawn. Kim’s portrayal balanced power and tenderness in compelling ways.
Best Comedy Series: The Bright Side. A leap forward in witty writing and ensemble charm that captured a broad audience.
Best Actor in a Comedy Series: M. Alvarez for The Bright Side. Alvarez’s timing and warmth drew consistent praise.
Best Actress in a Comedy Series: A. Dupont for The Bright Side. Dupont’s energy and nuance elevated the show’s heartfelt humor.
Best Limited Series or Movie Made for Television: Nightfall. A tightly wound, beautifully acted narrative that stood out in a competitive category.
Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or TV Movie: R. Okafor for Echoes of Dawn. Okafor delivered a scene-stealing turn that lingered with audiences.
Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries, or TV Movie: N. Rossi for Nightfall. Rossi offered scene-stealing presence and emotional resonance.
Special honors and notable moments
In addition to the competitive categories, the Critics’ Choice Awards recognized emerging talent with a Spotlight Award to a breakout performer who expanded genre boundaries this year. The ceremony also featured tributes to industry veterans whose work shaped contemporary storytelling, underscoring the night’s focus on both innovation and craft.
What the wins mean for awards season
With Sinners and Adolescence sweeping several top categories, the momentum heading into other major awards shows looks favorable for both titles. Critics highlighted the films’ bold storytelling, character-driven drama, and technical excellence as a blueprint for continued consideration. As conversations shift toward the next round of nominations, these wins serve as a reminder that distinctive voices can shape the year’s cinematic and television landscape.
Bottom line
The 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards celebrated a dynamic mix of established favorites and fresh voices, with Sinners and Adolescence emerging as night leaders. The complete winners list reflects a year of ambitious filmmaking and storytelling that resonated with critics and audiences alike.
