The awards season race kicked into high gear Friday as the Critics Choice Association (CCA) unveiled nominations for the 31st annual Critics Choice Awards. Ryan Coogler’s Sinners dominated the film categories with 17 nominations, while the limited series Adolescence led the television contenders with six.
Sinners received recognition across nearly every major category, including Best Picture, with Coogler earning nods for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Cast members Michael B. Jordan, Wunmi Mosaku, and Miles Caton received individual nominations in Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Young Actor/Actress, respectively.
The film’s strong showing extended into the craft categories, where it was acknowledged for Casting and Ensemble, Cinematography, Production Design, Editing, Costume Design, Hair and Makeup, Visual Effects, Stunt Design, Song, Score, and Sound. Its 17 nominations fall just shy of the all-time record of 18, set by Barbie in 2023.
One Battle After Another followed with 14 nominations, positioning it as Sinners’ closest competitor in the film race.
On the television side, Adolescence leads the pack with six nominations, including Best Limited Series. Stephen Graham earned recognition for Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television, while Owen Cooper and Ashley Walters were nominated in the supporting actor category. Erin Doherty and Christine Tremarco both received nominations for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television.
Closely trailing, Nobody Wants This picked up five nominations, solidifying its status as another strong contender in the limited series field.
This year’s Critics Choice Awards introduce four new categories—Best Variety Series, Best Stunt Design, Best Casting and Ensemble, and Best Sound—expanding the ceremony’s reach across creative and technical disciplines.
“We’re proud to begin the 2026 awards season by honoring another remarkable year across film, television, and streaming,” CCA CEO Joey Berlin said in a statement. “Our critics represent some of the most discerning and informed voices in the industry, and these nominations reflect their commitment to recognizing the best work of the year.”
With a mix of returning heavyweights, emerging voices, and newly added honors, the 31st Critics Choice Awards set the tone for a competitive and dynamic awards season ahead.
Hosted once again by Chelsea Handler, the ceremony will air live on E! and USA Network on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 7:00–10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The event will return to Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar, continuing the Critics Choice Awards’ combined film and television format for the fourth consecutive year.
You can find the complete list of nominations here.
