Big Wins and Emotional Moments at Critics’ Choice
Timothée Chalamet’s Emotional Kylie Jenner Shoutout and Other Highlights from the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards
The 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards, held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, delivered memorable speeches, major wins, and plenty of red-carpet glamour. Hosted by comedian and actress Chelsea Handler, the ceremony celebrated the year’s best in film, television, and streaming, as voted for by critics and journalists.
Often seen as an important — though not decisive — indicator in the Oscars race, this year’s event was packed with headline-making moments. Here are the seven biggest takeaways from the night.
Timothée Chalamet Tells Kylie Jenner “I Love You” on Stage
Best Actor winner Timothée Chalamet stole the spotlight with a heartfelt acceptance speech. The actor won for his role in Marty Supreme, where he plays an ambitious table-tennis prodigy in 1950s America.
Visibly nervous, Chalamet thanked his fellow nominees and director Josh Safdie before turning to his personal life.
“Thank you to my partner of three years. Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn’t do this without you.”
Cameras quickly cut to Kylie Jenner, who mouthed “I love you” back — a moment that instantly went viral.
Jessie Buckley Praises Paul Mescal After Best Actress Win
Irish actress Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for her performance in Hamnet, adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s novel.
In her speech, Buckley praised director Chloé Zhao and co-stars Paul Mescal and Emily Watson, calling Mescal “a giant of the heart” and jokingly adding that she knew many people in the room adored him too.
Adolescence Star Owen Cooper’s Breakthrough Moment
Sixteen-year-old Owen Cooper won Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series for Netflix’s Adolescence.
The psychological crime drama also saw wins for Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty. Cooper described the past year as a “complete whirlwind,” thanking his family and cast for changing his life forever.
Seth Rogen Jokes He Can Quit Therapy
Winning Best Actor in a Comedy Series for The Studio, Seth Rogen poked fun at his love of critical approval.
“I can cancel therapy this week. I’m good. I’m fixed,” he joked, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Jimmy Kimmel Takes Another Swipe at Donald Trump
Best Talk Series winner Jimmy Kimmel delivered a deliberately overlong speech, slipping in a joke about Donald Trump and the so-called “FIFA peace prize” awarded during the World Cup draw.
One Battle After Another Wins Best Picture
The night’s top honor went to One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Director Paul Thomas Anderson won Best Director, strengthening the film’s status as a major Oscars frontrunner.
Meanwhile, vampire thriller Sinners dominated several technical categories, while Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy and Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters also picked up notable wins.
Fashion Highlights from the Red Carpet
Awards season fashion was in full force. One Battle After Another stars Chase Infiniti and Teyana Taylor turned heads with bold designer looks from Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent.
