By Kathia Woods
Awards Season is officially upon us as the Critics kicked things off by announcing the nominees for the 31st Critics Choice Awards. Despite the announcement that Netflix will be buying Warner Bros., it was a different type of win for the studios, as it led nominations with its megahit Sinners. The Ryan Coogler-penned and directed film walked away with 17 nominations.
Coogler has three among them. One for best original screenplay, one for best director, and one as producer along with his wife, Zinzi Coogler, as the film was nominated for best picture.
Joining the Cooglers in the nomination column for the sinner’s team is Michael B. Jordan, who received his nod for the dual roles of the Smokestack Twins. Wunmi Mosaku, who is the heart of the film, also was rewarded with a nomination for best supporting actress, ensuring that she is very much in contention as this awards season moves on.
Cementing his commitment to working with women, longtime collaborators Hannah Bechler and Ruth Carter also received recognition for their work on the film. Miles Canton, whose beautiful voice provided the soundtrack for the film, is a nominee for best young actor. The 20-year-old, who is as gifted an actor as he is a singer, is having a moment, as one says.
Right behind the Sinners team is another Warner’s darling, One Battle After Another.
Teyana Taylor was awakened with the good news that she was nominated for best supporting actress. She will be joined by her co-star Chase Infinity, who was nominated in the best actress category. Regina Hall’s work was also recognized, as she received her nomination via the best ensemble category.
On the Television side were some nice surprises; however, Sterling K. Brown was not one of them, as he received his best actor in a drama nod for the hit show Paradise. Brown is not only the star but also an executive producer. Wood Harris was rewarded for his years of service as a compassionate and strong father for his role in Netflix’s Forever. Another first-time nominee is Denée Benton, who was nominated for her work as the darling Peggy on HBO’s The Gilded Age. She is joined in the category by Nicole Beharie, who was nominated for her role on Apple TV’s The Morning Show.
Quinta Brunson also found herself a double this morning. She received a nomination as a producer for the show, which was nominated for best comedy, as well as for her work as a writer. She is joined by Janelle James. Another fan favorite, Ego Nwodim, joined James in the best supporting actress in a comedy category. Keeping the Philadelphia theme going is Brian Tyree Henry, who was nominated for best actor in a limited series for his work on Dope Thief. T
One notable omission from this morning’s nominations was Cynthia Erivo. Wicked: For Good overall received fewer nominations than its predecessor, supporting the overall critical reception.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) is an organization comprising approximately 600 broadcast, radio, and online critics, as well as entertainment journalists, primarily residing in the U.S. and Canada. They will select winners for films and scripted television from today’s announced nominations. The winners will be revealed at the Critics Choice Awards gala hosted by Chelsea Handler, which will be broadcast LIVE on E! and USA Network on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The star-studded show will once again be held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica and will continue its combined film and television awards format, honoring the best in cinematic, televised, and streaming achievement. Notably, four new categories have been added to this year’s show: Best Variety Series, Best Stunt Design, Best Casting and Ensemble, and Best Sound.