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\n Related: <\/span>Critics Choice Awards 2026 Red Carpet: All the Best Looks<\/span><\/a>
\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\t\t\tStars\u2019 fashion choices were off the charts at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards. This year, stars including Amanda Seyfried, Emma Stone, Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan and more were nominated for a trophy. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Scroll below for the best and worst moments of the awards show.<\/p>\n
Best: Chelsea Handler\u2019s Monologue<\/h2>\n
Chelsea Handler brought the laughs with her hilarious monologue, featuring jokes about Leonardo DiCaprio<\/strong>, Benicio Del Toro<\/strong>, Teyana Taylor<\/strong> and more. At one point, she referred to Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet as a \u201clittle Labubu.\u201d<\/p>\nIn between all of the quips was an honest and heartfelt tribute to late director Rob Reiner<\/strong> and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner<\/strong>, one month after they were found dead in their Brentwood, California, home. Handler remembered Reiner as \u201cthe nicest guy in Hollywood.\u201d (Their son Nick Reiner<\/strong> was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder.)<\/p>\n\u201cAnyone who ever spent time with Rob Reiner knows that the minute you met him, he felt like an old friend,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen you were in a conversation with him, he was present and he was focused and he was funny, and he would ask you tons of questions, whether you were discussing politics or film or the latest beauty trends, he was all in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Worst: Several Stars Missed the Show<\/h2>\n
It seems like several stars decided to skip out on the night\u2019s festivities and were not seen on the red carpet or in the audience, like Cynthia Erivo<\/strong>, George Clooney<\/strong>, Gwyneth Paltrow <\/strong>and Sean Penn<\/strong>. Kristen Bell<\/strong> also seemingly attended the awards show solo, as her husband, Dax Shepard<\/strong>, did not appear to be in attendance.<\/p>\nBest: Kathy Bates Licking a Ping Pong Paddle<\/h2>\n
All eyes were on Kathy Bates<\/strong> when Handler told the crowd that Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet had arrived at the venue and one lucky person had a ping pong paddle underneath their seat, in ode to his film Marty Supreme<\/em>. Handler said whoever had the paddle would get the chance to spank Chalamet at the afterparty. The camera panned to Bates holding the paddle and proceeding to lick it, causing everyone to laugh.<\/p>\nWorst: No Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson Reunion<\/h2>\n
While many of Us<\/em> were holding out hope to see The Naked Gun<\/em> costars Pamela Anderson<\/strong> and Liam Neeson<\/strong> reunite on the red carpet, that just didn\u2019t happen. The film won the award for Best Comedy, it was announced during E!\u2019s red carpet pre-show, but Neeson and Anderson were not there to celebrate.<\/p>\nWorst: Jessie Buckley Is Paul Mescal\u2019s BFF and We\u2019re Not<\/h2>\n
During her acceptance speech for Best Actress, Jessie Buckley gave a shout-out to her Hamnet<\/em> costar Paul Mescal<\/strong>, which made Us<\/em> and millions of people watching at home rather jealous.<\/p>\n\u201cPaul, I bloody love you, man,\u201d she said, as the camera panned to Mescal in the crowd. \u201cAnd I know loads of other women in this room do too, but \u2014 tough s***!\u201d<\/p>\n
Best: Owen Cooper and \u2018Adolescence\u2019 Win Big<\/h2>\n
Adolescence<\/em>\u2019s Owen Cooper<\/strong>, Stephen Graham<\/strong> and Erin Doherty<\/strong> took home trophies in their respective categories, as well as the show\u2019s win for Best Limited Series. At just 16 years old, Cooper is already paving an incredible way for himself in show business.<\/p>\n\u201cWhile this past year has been a complete whirlwind for my family and me, honestly. It\u2019s changed our lives forever, and we\u2019re forever grateful,\u201d the teen said in his acceptance speech. \u201cWe\u2019ve cherished every single moment of it. To the directors, to the producers, to the cast, the crew, you took me on an emotional journey I never imagined I could go on.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou believed in me, you pushed me when things were hard and showed incredible patience when it took me to get there,\u201d Cooper continued. \u201cSome of those moments were really, really tough, and I couldn\u2019t have done it without you. Receiving this award means more to me than I can put into words.\u201d<\/p>\n
Best: Chelsea Handler Pays Homage to Diane Keaton<\/h2>\n
Later on in the show, Handler appeared on stage in a black pantsuit to honor Diane Keaton<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\u201cThis little outfit is my nod to Diane Keaton, another person I think we should be remembering tonight,\u201d she said after honoring late director Rob Reiner in her opening monologue.<\/p>\n
Handler said Keaton was \u201csomebody who made a big contribution to all of us and all the people in the room here. So I think it\u2019s good vibrations to remember all of these good people, right. Let\u2019s keep the vibes high.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\n\nThank You!<\/h3>\n
You have successfully subscribed.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
Keaton, who died on October 11, 2025, from primary bacterial pneumonia, was known for her tailored looks and structured pantsuits.<\/p>\n
Worst: Adam Sandler Walks Away Empty-Handed<\/h2>\n
For folks who were rooting for Adam Sandler<\/strong> this awards season for his role in Jay Kelly<\/em>, he shockingly came up short at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards. It was Jacob Elordi<\/strong> who took home the Best Supporting Actor trophy at the ceremony for Frankenstein<\/em>. (Don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll still be rooting for you at the Golden Globes, Adam!)<\/p>\nBest: Teyana Taylor\u2019s Iconic Reactions<\/h2>\n
Not only did Teyana Taylor<\/strong> look stunning on the red carpet in a tailored look with fur accents, but she proved to be the ultimate supportive queen in the audience. When Paul Thomas Anderson<\/strong>\u2018s name was called for the Best Director honor, Taylor jumped to her feet immediately to hug him. When the film won the Best Picture honor, Taylor and her costars took the stage with Anderson, rooting him on during his emotional speech.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
In between all of the quips was an honest and heartfelt tribute to late director Rob Reiner<\/strong> and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner<\/strong>, one month after they were found dead in their Brentwood, California, home. Handler remembered Reiner as \u201cthe nicest guy in Hollywood.\u201d (Their son Nick Reiner<\/strong> was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder.)<\/p>\n \u201cAnyone who ever spent time with Rob Reiner knows that the minute you met him, he felt like an old friend,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen you were in a conversation with him, he was present and he was focused and he was funny, and he would ask you tons of questions, whether you were discussing politics or film or the latest beauty trends, he was all in.\u201d<\/p>\n It seems like several stars decided to skip out on the night\u2019s festivities and were not seen on the red carpet or in the audience, like Cynthia Erivo<\/strong>, George Clooney<\/strong>, Gwyneth Paltrow <\/strong>and Sean Penn<\/strong>. Kristen Bell<\/strong> also seemingly attended the awards show solo, as her husband, Dax Shepard<\/strong>, did not appear to be in attendance.<\/p>\n All eyes were on Kathy Bates<\/strong> when Handler told the crowd that Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet had arrived at the venue and one lucky person had a ping pong paddle underneath their seat, in ode to his film Marty Supreme<\/em>. Handler said whoever had the paddle would get the chance to spank Chalamet at the afterparty. The camera panned to Bates holding the paddle and proceeding to lick it, causing everyone to laugh.<\/p>\n While many of Us<\/em> were holding out hope to see The Naked Gun<\/em> costars Pamela Anderson<\/strong> and Liam Neeson<\/strong> reunite on the red carpet, that just didn\u2019t happen. The film won the award for Best Comedy, it was announced during E!\u2019s red carpet pre-show, but Neeson and Anderson were not there to celebrate.<\/p>\n During her acceptance speech for Best Actress, Jessie Buckley gave a shout-out to her Hamnet<\/em> costar Paul Mescal<\/strong>, which made Us<\/em> and millions of people watching at home rather jealous.<\/p>\n \u201cPaul, I bloody love you, man,\u201d she said, as the camera panned to Mescal in the crowd. \u201cAnd I know loads of other women in this room do too, but \u2014 tough s***!\u201d<\/p>\n Adolescence<\/em>\u2019s Owen Cooper<\/strong>, Stephen Graham<\/strong> and Erin Doherty<\/strong> took home trophies in their respective categories, as well as the show\u2019s win for Best Limited Series. At just 16 years old, Cooper is already paving an incredible way for himself in show business.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile this past year has been a complete whirlwind for my family and me, honestly. It\u2019s changed our lives forever, and we\u2019re forever grateful,\u201d the teen said in his acceptance speech. \u201cWe\u2019ve cherished every single moment of it. To the directors, to the producers, to the cast, the crew, you took me on an emotional journey I never imagined I could go on.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou believed in me, you pushed me when things were hard and showed incredible patience when it took me to get there,\u201d Cooper continued. \u201cSome of those moments were really, really tough, and I couldn\u2019t have done it without you. Receiving this award means more to me than I can put into words.\u201d<\/p>\n Later on in the show, Handler appeared on stage in a black pantsuit to honor Diane Keaton<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cThis little outfit is my nod to Diane Keaton, another person I think we should be remembering tonight,\u201d she said after honoring late director Rob Reiner in her opening monologue.<\/p>\n Handler said Keaton was \u201csomebody who made a big contribution to all of us and all the people in the room here. So I think it\u2019s good vibrations to remember all of these good people, right. Let\u2019s keep the vibes high.\u201d<\/p>\n You have successfully subscribed.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n Keaton, who died on October 11, 2025, from primary bacterial pneumonia, was known for her tailored looks and structured pantsuits.<\/p>\n For folks who were rooting for Adam Sandler<\/strong> this awards season for his role in Jay Kelly<\/em>, he shockingly came up short at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards. It was Jacob Elordi<\/strong> who took home the Best Supporting Actor trophy at the ceremony for Frankenstein<\/em>. (Don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll still be rooting for you at the Golden Globes, Adam!)<\/p>\n Not only did Teyana Taylor<\/strong> look stunning on the red carpet in a tailored look with fur accents, but she proved to be the ultimate supportive queen in the audience. When Paul Thomas Anderson<\/strong>\u2018s name was called for the Best Director honor, Taylor jumped to her feet immediately to hug him. When the film won the Best Picture honor, Taylor and her costars took the stage with Anderson, rooting him on during his emotional speech.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nWorst: Several Stars Missed the Show<\/h2>\n
Best: Kathy Bates Licking a Ping Pong Paddle<\/h2>\n
Worst: No Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson Reunion<\/h2>\n
Worst: Jessie Buckley Is Paul Mescal\u2019s BFF and We\u2019re Not<\/h2>\n
Best: Owen Cooper and \u2018Adolescence\u2019 Win Big<\/h2>\n
Best: Chelsea Handler Pays Homage to Diane Keaton<\/h2>\n
Thank You!<\/h3>\n
Worst: Adam Sandler Walks Away Empty-Handed<\/h2>\n
Best: Teyana Taylor\u2019s Iconic Reactions<\/h2>\n