The best and worst moments from the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards

Awards season kicks off in an exciting atmosphere Critics’ Choice Awards 2026.

This event is hosted by Chelsea Handlertaking place on Sunday, January 4 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, where a host of television and film nominees came together to celebrate this year’s biggest hits.

it’s a great night Ryan Cooglerof sinnerThe film leads the pack with 17 nominations, including best picture. final, one battle after another Ultimately winning the coveted trophy, the biggest prize of the night. elsewhere, Jesse Buckley Won the Best Actress Award for her outstanding performance in the film Hamnet although Timothée Chalamet Won the honor of Best Actor because he is Marty Supre.

Of course, one of the highlights of the night was Handler’s always hilarious commentary, coupled with her eye-catching costume changes throughout ceremony, including a nod to tardiness Diane Keaton Pair it with a well-tailored black suit.

Scroll down to see the best and worst moments from the awards show.

Best: Chelsea Handler’s Monologue

Chelsea Handler brings the laughs her funny monologuefeaturing jokes leonardo dicaprio, Benicio Del Toro, Teyana Taylor etc. At one point, she called Timothée Chalamet “little booboo.”

Between all the quips is a sincere and heartfelt tribute to the late director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michelle Singer RainerA month later, they were found dead in their Brentwood, California, home. Handler recalled Reiner as “the nicest guy in Hollywood.” (Their son Nick Lehner Arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. )

“Anyone who has spent time with Rob Reiner knows that the moment you meet him, he feels like an old friend,” she said. “When you talk to him, he’s present, he’s attentive, he’s funny, he asks you a lot of questions, and whether you’re discussing politics, movies or the latest beauty trends, he has his full attention.”

Worst: Several stars missed the show

It seemed that several stars decided to skip the evening’s festivities, not appearing on the red carpet or in the audience, e.g. Cynthia Erivo, George Clooney, Gwyneth Paltrow and Sean Penn. kristen bell It seems that she also attended the award ceremony alone. As her husband, Dax Sheparddoes not seem to be in the audience.

BEST: Kathy Bates licks ping pong paddle

All eyes are on Kathy Bates As Chelsea Handler told the audience that Timothée Chalamet had arrived at the venue, one lucky person had a ping pong paddle placed under their seat in tribute to his film Marty Supre. Handler said whoever had the racket would have a chance to hit Chalamet at the afterparty. The camera panned to Bates holding the paddle and starting to lick it, causing everyone to laugh.

Worst: No Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson reunion

Although many us we hope to see naked gun co-starring Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson There was a red carpet reunion, but that didn’t happen. The movie won Best Comedy, and the announcement was made during E!’s red carpet preview, but Neeson and Anderson weren’t there to celebrate.

Worst: Jesse Buckley is Paul Mescal’s best friend and we’re not

Jessie Buckley gave her a shout-out during her Best Actress acceptance speech Hamnet supporting role Paul Mescalwhich makes us Millions of people watched at home, quite jealous.

“Paul, I love you so much, man,” she says, as the camera pans to the mezcal in the crowd. “I know a lot of other women in this room do it, but — it’s so hard!”

BEST: Owen Cooper and ‘Puberty’ Win Big

pubertyof Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty Winning trophies in their respective categories and winning Best Limited Series. At just 16 years old, Cooper has already paved an incredible path for himself in the acting world.

“Honestly, this past year has been a complete whirlwind for me and my family. It has changed our lives forever and we are forever grateful,” the teen said in her acceptance speech. “We cherished every moment of it. To the director, producers, cast, crew, you took me on an emotional journey that I never imagined I could go on.”

“You believed in me, you pushed me when things were tough, and you showed incredible patience when I needed to get there,” Cooper continued. “There have been some really, really hard moments and I wouldn’t have been able to do this without you. Winning this award means so much to me that I can’t put it into words.”

BEST: Chelsea Handler pays tribute to Diane Keaton

Later in the show, Chelsea Handler appeared on stage in a black pantsuit to pay tribute Diane Keaton.

“This little outfit is my tribute to Diane Keaton, who I think is another person we should remember tonight,” she said after paying tribute to the late director Rob Reiner in her opening monologue.

Handler said Keaton “contributed tremendously to all of us and to all of us here. So I think it’s a nice jolt to remember all these good people, right. Let’s keep that spirit high.”

Keaton, who died of primary bacterial pneumonia on October 11, 2025, was known for her tailored red carpet looks and crisp pantsuits over the years, in addition to her vibrant film roles.

Worst: Adam Sandler walks away empty-handed

For those who support Adam Sandler This awards season, he’s Jay Kellyhis shocking loss at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards. It turned out to be Jacob Elord And won the Best Supporting Actor trophy at the awards ceremony frankenstein. (Don’t worry, we’ll still be rooting for you at the Golden Globes, Adam!)

BEST: Teyana Taylor’s iconic reaction

Not only did it Teyana Taylor Wearing a fur-embellished tailored look, she looked stunning on the red carpet, but she proved to be the most supportive queen from the audience all night. when Paul Thomas AndersonWhen his name was called for the Best Director honor, Taylor immediately jumped up and hugged him. When the film won Best Picture, Taylor and her co-stars joined Anderson on stage to cheer him on during his emotional speech.