As the first major awards show of the year, the 2026 Critics Choice signals the start of awards season.
Chelsea Handler returned as host and opened the night with a confident monologue, poking fun at Hollywood and pop culture without dragging the room. And that set the tone that carried through the ceremony.
One of the more heartfelt moments came when Handler paid tribute to Rob Reiner; Michael B. Jordan arriving with his mother, Donna, was another highlight. Jimmy Kimmel’s acceptance speech also made waves. Picking up his award, he took a sharp jab at the White House, earning loud laughs and reminding us why his commentary still resonates. “Thank you Mr. President for all the ridiculous things you do, each and every day” he said.
Michael B. Jordan, his mom Donna, and Jacob ElordiChelsea HandlerPhotos from Getty Images
Then there was Timothée Chalamet, who kept things lowkey while accepting Best Actor. He thanked Kylie Jenner, calling her his partner of three years. It’s all over our feed. Yup, that trended last night.
Real life couple Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet
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<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@entertainmenttonight/video/7591738671271824671" data-video-id="7591738671271824671" data-embed-from="oembed" style="max-width:605px; min-width:325px;"> <section> <a target="_blank" title="@entertainmenttonight" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@entertainmenttonight?refer=embed">@entertainmenttonight</a> <p>Timothée Chalamet gave a very special shout-out to his partner Kylie Jenner in his acceptance speech for Best Actor at the Critics Choice Awards 🥹 <a title="timotheechalamet" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/timotheechalamet?refer=embed">#timotheechalamet</a> <a title="kyliejenner" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/kyliejenner?refer=embed">#kyliejenner</a> <a title="criticschoiceawards" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/criticschoiceawards?refer=embed">#criticschoiceawards</a></p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound – Entertainment Tonight – Entertainment Tonight" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-Entertainment-Tonight-7591738758878874399?refer=embed">♬ original sound – Entertainment Tonight – Entertainment Tonight</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>
And on the red carpet, stars kept things timeless. Some skipped dresses altogether and went for tailored separates. Butter yellow, reds, and soft pinks stood out against the usual black gowns and tuxedos. Menswear stayed classic, with suits updated through small details like satin accents and a bit of tonal styling.
Below, our favorite fashion moments from the 2026 Critics Choice Awards:
EjaeJacob Elordi in Bottega VenetaMia Goth in DiorKristen BellMeghan FahyChase Infiniti in Louis VuittonJessica BielNoah SchnappAmanda Seyfried in ValentinoLeighton Meester in Carolina Herrera Ariana Grande in Alberta FerrettiElle Fanning on vintage Ralph LaurenMichael B. Jordan in Louis VuittonPaul Mescal in Gucci
And on of our favorite highlights came from Hacks stars Meg Stalter and Paul W. Downs, who showed up wearing outfits that felt instantly familiar. The looks closely matched what Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner wore to the Marty Supreme premiere just a month earlier.
Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner at the Marty Supreme PremierPaul W. Downs and Megan StalterPhotos from Getty Images
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Downs shared, “We’ve been shooting season five of Hacks so we haven’t had a lot of time to shop or pull so we just borrowed from friends.”
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<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@hollywoodreporter/video/7591702074040093965" data-video-id="7591702074040093965" data-embed-from="oembed" style="max-width:605px; min-width:325px;"> <section> <a target="_blank" title="@hollywoodreporter" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@hollywoodreporter?refer=embed">@hollywoodreporter</a> <p><a title="megstalter" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/megstalter?refer=embed">#MegStalter</a> and <a title="paulwdowns" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/paulwdowns?refer=embed">#PaulWDowns</a> give us an update on shooting Season 5 of <a title="hacks" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/hacks?refer=embed">#Hacks</a> at the <a title="criticschoiceawards" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/criticschoiceawards?refer=embed">#CriticsChoiceAwards</a></p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound – The Hollywood Reporter" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7591702165614299917?refer=embed">♬ original sound – The Hollywood Reporter</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>
Stalter followed up with a perfectly delivered add-on: “Yeah my really close friend — I’m not going to name any names — but she let me borrow this dress. Fits like a glove,” she said.
