Spotlight On Stars: The Hottest Celebs Lighting Up The 2026 Critics Choice Awards In Socal

The Buzz Around the 2026 Critics Choice Awards

Awards season is exploding right at the start of the year, with the 2026 Critics Choice Awards stealing the spotlight just four days in. Chelsea Handler is back as host for her fourth straight gig, bringing her signature sass to Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. This global event is pulling in stars from Hollywood, London, Seoul, and beyond, making it a must-watch for pop culture fans everywhere – think red-carpet drama and unexpected pairings that have the world talking.

The night is live on E! and USA Network from 7-10pm ET/PT, promising non-stop glamour and surprises. It's not just about the trophies; it's the international flair that turns this into a cultural phenomenon, blending Tinseltown vibes with worldwide star power.

Top Nominations Stealing the Show

Ryan Coogler's Sinners is dominating the film nods with an impressive 17 nominations, putting it miles ahead of the pack. Close behind is One Battle After Another with 14, while other big hitters like Wicked: For Good, Marty Supreme, Bugonia, Weapons, Jay Kelly, and more are vying for glory. This lineup shows how films from various corners of the globe are colliding, from American blockbusters to international tales that resonate everywhere.

On the TV front, Adolescence is leading with six nominations, followed by Nobody Wants This at five. Shows like Ghosts, The Diplomat, The Pitt, The Morning Show, Abbott Elementary, Hacks, and others are also in the mix, highlighting the best of global storytelling. For the full rundown, fans can dive deeper – it's clear this event is a celebration of creativity that spans continents.

“This awards show is always a blast, mixing top talent from around the world – it's like the ultimate party where Hollywood meets global icons," says a rep for the Critics Choice Association, capturing the electric atmosphere.

Stars Lighting Up the Red Carpet

Ariana Grande and Wicked Wonders

Ariana Grande from Wicked: For Good is turning heads in an Alberta Ferretti dress, proving she's the queen of ethereal elegance. Teyana Taylor from One Battle After Another stuns in Saint Laurent with Tiffany & Co. jewels, adding that fierce edge we all crave. Pairs like Paul W. Downs and Megan Stalter from Hacks are bringing the laughs, while Nicole Brydon Bloom from Paradise rocks an Akris gown that screams red-carpet perfection.

Sarah Shahi from Paradise and host Chelsea Handler – who's accessorized with Jennifer Meyer jewelry – are owning the night with their poise. Then there's Noah Schnapp from Stranger Things, looking sharp in John Varvatos with a Chaumet brooch, reminding us why this event draws global talent from Seoul to London.

Power Couples and Solo Standouts

Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell from The Beast In Me and The Diplomat are serving couple goals, with Alexander Skarsgard from Pillion adding his brooding charm. Jean Smart from Hacks shines in Saidian Vintage Jewels, and Owen Cooper from Adolescence opts for Bottega Veneta cool. Chris Perfetti from Abbott Elementary rounds it out with David Yurman rings and Christian Louboutin shoes – it's all about that mix of Hollywood flair and international style.

From Lee Byung-hun of Squid Game repping Seoul's scene to Jeff Goldblum and his wife Emilie from Wicked: For Good in a Blancpain timepiece, the red carpet is a whirlwind. Gabriel Luna from The Last of Us nails it in Brioni, and Emilia Jones from Task wows in Thom Browne, making this a truly worldwide spectacle that keeps fans glued to their screens.