Critics Choice Awards date, time, nominations, presenters and how to watch live: Here's red carpet timing

Critics Choice Awards date, time, nominations, presenters and how to watch live details have been announced for the 31st annual ceremony. The awards mark the first major competitive awards show of 2026. The event brings together film and television nominees selected by the Critics Choice Association. Viewers can watch the ceremony live on television and follow updates online. This explainer shares full information about the schedule, host, nominations, new categories, presenters, red carpet coverage, and streaming options.

Critics Choice Awards date, time, nominations, presenters and how to watch live schedule

Critics Choice Awards date, time, nominations, presenters and how to watch live begin on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The ceremony takes place at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Chelsea Handler returns as host for the event. The show runs for three hours. It airs live on E! and USA Network. Coverage starts at 7 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. PT. This makes it accessible to viewers across time zones.

Critics Choice Awards film nominations

Critics Choice Awards date, time, nominations, presenters and how to watch live information includes details about leading nominees. The film “Sinners” leads nominations this year. The Warner Bros genre thriller is directed by Ryan Coogler. Michael B. Jordan stars in a dual role. The film received 17 nominations. These include Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.


Another Warner Bros film, “One Battle After Another” by Paul Thomas Anderson, follows closely. It earned 14 nominations. The list of Best Picture nominees also includes “Bugonia” from Focus Features, “Frankenstein” from Netflix, “Hamnet” from Focus Features, “Jay Kelly” from Netflix, “Marty Supreme” from A24, “Sentimental Value” from Neon, “Train Dreams” from Netflix, and “Wicked: For Good” from Universal.

Critics Choice Awards television nominations and category

Critics Choice Awards date, time, nominations, presenters and how to watch live coverage also highlights television contenders. Netflix’s “Adolescence” leads TV nominations with six. “Nobody Wants This” follows with five nominations. These shows set the pace for television awards this year.

The ceremony introduces four new categories. These are Best Variety Series, Best Stunt Design, Best Casting and Ensemble, and Best Sound. Casting becomes an official Oscar category starting this year. The Stunt category will follow in 2027. These changes reflect industry recognition across creative fields.

Critics Choice Awards red carpet timing and broadcast information

Critics Choice Awards date, time, nominations, presenters and how to watch live also include red carpet details. The red carpet show airs as “LIVE from E!: Critics Choice Awards.” Coverage starts at 5 p.m. ET and 2 p.m. PT. It airs live on E! and USA Network. Justin Sylvester and Keltie Knight host the special. Will Marfuggi and Erin Lim join them for interviews and arrivals.

Critics Choice Awards presenters

Critics Choice Awards date, time, nominations, presenters and how to watch live information lists a wide group of presenters. The presenters include Ali Larter, Alicia Silverstone, Allison Janney, Arden Cho, Ava DuVernay, Bradley Whitford, Billy Bob Thornton, Colman Domingo, Diego Luna, EJAE, Hannah Einbinder, Jeff Goldblum, Jessica Williams, Justin Hartley, Justin Sylvester, Kaley Cuoco, Keltie Knight, Marcello Hernández, Mckenna Grace, Michelle Randolph, Noah Schnapp, Owen Cooper, Quinta Brunson, Regina Hall, Rhea Seehorn, Sebastian Maniscalco, and William H. Macy.

How to watch Critics Choice Awards live online?

Critics Choice Awards date, time, nominations, presenters and how to watch live options extend beyond television. The Critics Choice Association confirms online coverage across platforms. Content will be shared on Instagram and X at @CriticsChoice. TikTok updates will appear at @OfficialCriticsChoice. Facebook coverage is available at CriticsChoiceAwards. The official hashtag is #CriticsChoiceAwards. E! News accounts @enews and @eentertainment will also provide live red carpet and awards updates.

FAQs

Q1: When is the Critics Choice Awards ceremony and how can viewers watch live?
Critics Choice Awards date, time, nominations, presenters and how to watch live include January 4, 2026, airing at 7 p.m. ET on E! and USA Network with online updates available.

Q2: Which film leads the Critics Choice Awards nominations this year?
Critics Choice Awards date, time, nominations, presenters and how to watch live coverage shows “Sinners” leading with 17 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.