Hollywood’s awards season officially kicked into high gear on January 4, as stars, glitz, and unforgettable speeches lit up the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica for the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards. From breakthrough performances to jaw-dropping red carpet moments, the night had it all.
Chalamet’s Transformative Turn in “Marty Supreme”
The night’s biggest acting accolade went to Timothée Chalamet, who won Best Actor for his role in Marty Supreme. In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Chalamet celebrated director Josh Paul Thomas Anderson, praising the filmmaker for telling a story about a flawed, relatable man without ever preaching a moral.
“I feel lucky to have been part of a film that trusts the audience’s intelligence,” Chalamet said, before surprising many with a first public acknowledgment of his partner, Kylie Jenner. “Lastly, I’ll just say thank you to my partner of three years… I couldn’t do this without you.” Social media immediately erupted with support and excitement over the intimate moment.
Big Wins for “One Battle After Another”
The night’s most talked-about triumph went to Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic, One Battle After Another, which swept Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Despite Ryan Coogler’s Sinners leading the nominations with 17 nods, Anderson’s film dominated the evening, cementing his reputation as one of modern cinema’s most visionary storytellers.
Other standout performances included Jessie Buckley winning Best Actress for Hamnet, and Jacob Elordi picking up Best Supporting Actor for his role as “The Creature” in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, which also took home awards for Best Production Design, Costume Design, and Hair & Makeup.
Meanwhile, Sinners secured key wins in Best Original Screenplay, Best Score for Ludwig Göransson, and Best Young Actor for rising star Miles Caton, proving that Coogler’s highly anticipated project still left a mark.
Red Carpet Magic: Vintage, Bold, and Glamorous
The red carpet was a spectacle of daring fashion choices and nostalgic nods. Ariana Grande channeled her inner Glinda in a custom Alberta Ferretti pink satin gown with a floor-length tulle cape embroidered with silver floral appliqués. Fans called it “magical” and “storybook chic.”
Elle Fanning went for pure old-Hollywood glamour in a “liquid gold” gown from Ralph Lauren’s Fall/Winter 2003 collection, proving vintage can still make the ultimate statement. Always pushing boundaries, Teyana Taylor opted for sharp, gender-bending tailoring—a feathered double-breasted jacket, striped tie, and over-the-knee Saint Laurent boots—turning heads and igniting fashion commentary online.
The moody black carpet also saw sculptural silhouettes and soft pastels dominating, blending contemporary edge with a touch of archival Hollywood drama.
A Night to Remember
The Critics Choice Awards 2026 reaffirmed that 2025 was a year of bold cinematic choices, standout performances, and memorable fashion statements. From Chalamet’s emotional tribute to Anderson to the public celebration of emerging stars, the evening reminded fans why awards season remains one of Hollywood’s most captivating spectacles.
Social media buzzed all night, with fans praising not just the winners but the heart and humanity behind their speeches. For Chalamet, Grande, Fanning, and their peers, it was more than just a night of awards—it was a celebration of storytelling, artistry, and unforgettable moments that will linger long after the trophies are displayed.
Source: IOL
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