HOLLYWOOD, CA — The Critics Choice Association (CCA) has officially announced that the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards will take place on Sunday, January 4, 2026. This star-studded event will be returning to E! for the second year in a row, airing live across USA Network from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. Once again, the ceremony will be hosted at the iconic Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, continuing its tradition of celebrating excellence in both film and television.
“The Critics Choice Association is excited to kick off awards season as the first major televised show of 2026,” CCA CEO Joey Berlin said . He expressed enthusiasm for the renewed partnership with E! and USA Network, highlighting their joint mission to uplift the creative community. “Together, we are proud to continue making the Critics Choice Awards a can’t-miss awards season destination, delivering unforgettable speeches and momentum-building moments championing our industry’s best,” Berlin added. This year’s event aims to build upon three decades of experience in driving the awards conversation, setting the stage for what promises to be an extraordinary evening.
Val Boreland, President of Entertainment at SpinCo, echoed Berlin’s sentiments.
“We’re honored to collaborate with the Critics Choice Association and bring this prestigious event to our audiences across E! and USA Network.” Boreland noted the significance of the Critics Choice Awards as one of the most anticipated nights in the awards season calendar, expressing excitement for the opportunity to celebrate Hollywood’s biggest moments of the year.
As the awards night approaches, anticipation builds not only for the ceremony itself, but also for the nominations. TV nominations will be announced on Thursday, December 4, while film nominations will follow on Friday, December 5. This formal announcement serves as a reminder that the Critics Choice Awards are historically one of the most accurate predictors of Academy Award nominations, making the results of the evening all the more significant.
Mark your calendars for January 4, 2026, as the Critics Choice Awards prepare to shine a spotlight on the finest achievements in cinema and television, offering a spectacular evening filled with talent, recognition, and unforgettable moments in the entertainment industry.
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