Critics Choice Awards 2024: Film & TV Winners & Nominees

The 2026 Actor Awards saw a moving tribute to Michael J. Fox, though the evening was largely dominated by recognition for Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” and Chloe Zhao’s “Hamnet.” While the awards ceremony is still underway as of this writing, several key wins have already been announced, signaling a strong showing for both films and a competitive television landscape.

Film Honors: A Night for Anderson and Zhao

“One Battle After Another” and “Hamnet” emerged as frontrunners, securing multiple accolades. Leonardo DiCaprio took home the award for Best Actor in a Film for his performance in “One Battle After Another,” while Jessie Buckley was recognized as Best Actress for her role in “Hamnet.” The ensemble cast of “Frankenstein” received the award for Best Ensemble in a Film, alongside wins for “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme,” “One Battle After Another,” and “Sinners.”

Beyond the leading films, Timothée Chalamet’s performance in “Marty Supreme” earned him a Best Actor nomination, and Chase Infiniti, making her film debut in “One Battle After Another,” was also recognized in the Best Actress category. Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn, both featured in “One Battle After Another,” were honored in the Best Supporting Actor category, alongside Miles Caton (“Sinners”), Jacob Elordi (“Frankenstein”), and Paul Mescal (“Hamnet”). The Best Supporting Actress award went to Odessa A’Zion for “Marty Supreme,” with Ariana Grande (“Wicked: For Good”), Amy Madigan (“Weapons”), Wunmi Mosaku (“Sinners”), and Teyana Taylor (“One Battle After Another”) also receiving nominations.

The awards also highlighted technical achievements, with “Mission Impossible — The Final Reckoning” taking home the award for Best Stunt Ensemble.

Television Triumphs: “The Pitt” and “Adolescence” Lead

On the television side, “The Pitt” was a standout winner, securing the award for Best Ensemble in a Drama Series. Noah Wyle was named Best Actor in a Drama Series for his work on “The Pitt,” while Keri Russell earned the title of Best Actress in a Drama Series for “The Diplomat.” “The Studio” also garnered attention, winning Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series, with Seth Rogen and Catherine O’Hara taking home the awards for Best Actor and Best Actress in a Comedy Series, respectively.

The television awards also recognized individual performances in limited series and films. Owen Cooper was awarded Best Actor in a TV Film or Miniseries for “Adolescence,” and Michelle Williams received the Best Actress award for “Dying For Sex.” “The Last of Us” was celebrated for its stunt work, winning the award for Best Stunt Ensemble in a television series.

“One Battle After Another”: A Critical and Commercial Success

The strong showing for “One Battle After Another” at the Actor Awards follows a successful awards season run for Paul Thomas Anderson’s film. Inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast including DiCaprio, Penn, del Toro, Regina Hall, Taylor, and Infiniti. As reported by Variety, the film received a record 16 nominations for the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, further solidifying its position as a major contender this awards season.

Released in September 2025, “One Battle After Another” garnered significant attention for its exploration of U.S. Extremism and polarization. According to Wikipedia, the film had a budget of $130–175 million and has grossed over $209 million worldwide. The film’s use of VistaVision cinematography, a format rarely employed since the 1960s, also generated buzz among cinephiles.

“Hamnet” and the Rise of Chloe Zhao

Chloe Zhao’s “Hamnet” has also emerged as a critical darling, earning 14 nominations for the BAFTA Awards alongside “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners.” Jessie Buckley’s win at the Actor Awards for her leading role in “Hamnet” adds to the film’s growing list of accolades. The BBC reports that “Hamnet” won the Golden Globe for Best Film – Drama in January 2026, further cementing its status as a major awards contender.

Zhao’s direction has been praised for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of grief and loss. The film’s success marks a significant moment in Zhao’s career, following her Oscar-winning work on “Nomadland.”

Looking Ahead: The Oscars and Beyond

With the Actor Awards and Golden Globes now concluded, attention is turning towards the upcoming Academy Awards. Both “One Battle After Another” and “Hamnet” are expected to be major contenders for several Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and acting awards. The BAFTA results, as well as the wins at the Actor Awards, will likely influence the voting patterns of Academy members.

The success of these films also highlights a trend towards complex, character-driven narratives that tackle challenging themes. The strong performances from the ensemble casts of both “One Battle After Another” and “Hamnet” demonstrate the power of collaborative storytelling and the importance of showcasing diverse talent. The continued recognition of television series like “The Pitt” and “Adolescence” also underscores the growing prestige and creative ambition of the small screen.