Home / Arts and Entertainment / Critics Choice Awards Adds New Categories for 2026 Ceremony
Critics Choice Awards Adds New Categories for 2026 Ceremony
17 Nov
Summary
- Critics Choice Association adds Best Stunt Design, Best Casting/Ensemble, and Best Sound categories
- Chelsea Handler to host the awards show for the 4th straight year
- Ceremony to air live on E! and USA Network on January 4, 2026
On November 17, 2025, the Critics Choice Association announced several changes to the upcoming 31st annual Critics Choice Awards ceremony. The most notable additions are the new categories of Best Stunt Design, Best Casting/Ensemble, and Best Sound, which will be introduced for the first time.
The Critics Choice Awards have traditionally mirrored the categories of the Academy Awards, and this year's changes follow a similar pattern. While the Best Sound category has long been a part of the Oscars, the Critics Choice Awards are now also recognizing the art of casting and stunt design. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will soon introduce a Best Stunt Design category at the 100th Oscars in 2028.
In another familiar element, comedian and television host Chelsea Handler will return to host the Critics Choice Awards for the fourth consecutive year. The ceremony is set to air live on both E! and USA Network on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 7:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
"Chelsea Handler is the best awards show host in the world," said CCA CEO Joey Berlin. "Recognizing and celebrating the most deserving achievements in film and television is important, but it's also great fun, and Chelsea is the perfect person to lead the parade."
