Tis the Awards Season

How to Watch the 2026 Critics Choice Awards Online

Awards season is here, with Chelsea Handler returning to host the Critics Choice Awards. Here's how to stream the event

By Jonathan Zavaleta

Jonathan Zavaleta

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January 4, 2026

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SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: Host Chelsea Handler speaks onstage during the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)

Chelsea Handler, pictured during last year's Critics Choice Awards, is returning this year (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)

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The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards will air on Jan. 4, with comedian Chelsea Handler slated to return for the fourth year in a row. The special will air on E! and USA Network on Jan. 4, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

At a Glance: How to Watch the Critics Choice Awards

The Critics’ Choice Awards are typically one of the first major awards shows of the year. Usually held in January, the ceremony was delayed to February last year due to the fires in Los Angeles. This year, the ceremony will once again be held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.

For the first time, the awards show will award trophies to below-the-line talent, including cinematography, sound, stunt design, and casting and ensemble. The Critics Choice Association comprises journalists and film critics and has over 600 members.

As for the nominated films, Sinners leads with 17 nods, while One Battle After Another has 14. Hamnet and Frankenstein have 11 nominations each. The most-nominated TV show is Adolescence, with six nominations.

Here’s how to watch the 2026 Critics Choice Awards without cable.

How to Watch the 2026 Critics Choice Awards: Streaming, Date, Time

DirecTV

get free trial

DirecTV’s streaming subscription includes access to E! and USA Network across all its main plans and comes with a five-day free trial and a discount on your first month. The regular price for the Entertainment package is $89.99/mo.

How to Watch the 2026 Critics Choice Awards: Streaming, Date, Time

Hulu + Live TV

get free trial

Hulu + Live TV includes access to channels like E! and USA Network, which are carrying the live broadcast of the Critics Choice Awards. The live streaming service costs $89.99/mo. after 3 day free trial, and includes the ad-supported versions of Disney+ and Hulu.

How to Watch the 2026 Critics Choice Awards: Streaming, Date, Time

Sling

sign up now

E! and USA are available on Sling’s Blue plan, which starts at $50.99. Sling is more customizable and affordable than other live TV streaming services, although it does not include a free trial.

You can see the nominees for Best Picture and Best Drama Series below, or see the full list of nominees here.

BEST PICTURE
Bugonia
Frankenstein
Hamnet
Jay Kelly
Marty Supreme
One Battle After Another
Sentimental Value
Sinners
Train Dreams
Wicked: For Good

BEST DRAMA SERIES
Alien: Earth
Andor
The Diplomat
Paradise
The Pitt
Pluribus
Severance
Task

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