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- Who turned up at the Critics Choice Awards 2026 red carpet
- Unmissable stage moments and emotional highlights
- Standout winners and reactions to awards
- Red carpet snapshots: fashion and famous pairings
- Backstage: candid shots, selfies and relaxed greetings
- Moments of romance, friendship and celebratory embraces
- Photo gallery favorites and who posed together
- Notable TV and film names who made an appearance
- What fans and critics will remember from the night
The 2026 Critics Choice Awards lit up Santa Monica on Sunday, drawing Hollywood talent to a rain-damp Barker Hangar for an evening of awards, surprises and candid moments. Stars navigated slick sidewalks, posed for photographers and traded laughs between speeches. Below is a lively look at who arrived, what happened onstage, and the off-camera scenes that made the night memorable.
Who turned up at the Critics Choice Awards 2026 red carpet
Los Angeles weather could not keep A-listers away. Attendees created headlines with bold fashion and star-studded tables.
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- Ariana Grande arrived in high spirits and shared warm moments with producers.
- Timothée Chalamet attended with guests and later dedicated remarks to his partner.
- Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio del Toro sat together and posed for cameras.
- Kylie Jenner supported her circle and joined several backstage photos.
- Other notable faces included Elle Fanning, Mckenna Grace, and Alicia Silverstone.
Unmissable stage moments and emotional highlights
The ceremony mixed tributes, acceptance speeches, and a few surprise winners.
- A heartfelt onstage tribute honored Rob and Michele Reiner, prompting applause across the room.
- Timothée Chalamet gave a public shoutout during his acceptance speech.
- Seth Rogen reacted with shock and joy as he accepted an award for comedy acting.
- “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” celebrated as the night’s top talk show, with a warm moment shared onstage.
Standout winners and reactions to awards
Several performances and shows grabbed critics’ attention. Winners mixed gratitude with playful banter.
- Seth Rogen won best actor in a comedy series and celebrated with his partner.
- Janelle James took home best supporting actress in comedy, visibly thrilled.
- Jacob Elordi delivered a spirited toast before collecting top honors for his film role.
- Leonardo DiCaprio embraced colleagues as their limited series clinched best limited series.
Red carpet snapshots: fashion and famous pairings
Photographers captured glam looks, friendly poses, and intimate duos as stars moved down the carpet.
- Ariana Grande and director Jon M. Chu shared a smile for the cameras.
- Alicia Silverstone and Kate Hudson arrived in coordinated blonde-glamour gowns.
- Elle Fanning and Mckenna Grace exchanged a sweet moment while posing together.
- Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys paused for a cozy snapshot that drew fans’ attention.
Backstage: candid shots, selfies and relaxed greetings
Behind the curtain, the mood shifted from formal to familiar. Stars relaxed and caught up with friends.
- Timothée Chalamet snapped selfies with pals and posed with Taylen Biggs.
- Marcello Hernández, Jimmy Kimmel, and Sebastian Maniscalco shared a lighthearted backstage photo.
- Michael B. Jordan stood proudly beside his mother for a proud family portrait.
- Jacob Elordi and other winners toasted privately before heading back to their tables.
Moments of romance, friendship and celebratory embraces
Several tender interactions punctuated the night. Cameras caught affectionate gestures and warm embraces.
- Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller shared a kiss amid applause.
- Jimmy Kimmel and his partner celebrated their talk show win with a kiss onstage.
- Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner were photographed close and supportive before awards were handed out.
- Leonardo DiCaprio hugged castmates as their series claim their trophy.
Photo gallery favorites and who posed together
Photographers compiled dozens of frames that tell the night’s story. A few pairings stood out.
- Ariana Grande blowing a kiss while flanked by producers.
- Chase Infiniti, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Benicio del Toro grouped for a memorable shot.
- Kylie Jenner and Odessa A’zion posed in glamorous attire for press photos.
- Owen Cooper shared a light exchange with Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet.
Notable TV and film names who made an appearance
Actors, directors and showrunners used the evening as a chance to connect.
- Patrick Ball, Shawn Hatosy and Noah Wyle from “The Pitt” posed together.
- Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys were among the evening’s memorable couples.
- Josh Safdie and Odessa A’zion stopped for a close-up photo together.
What fans and critics will remember from the night
The show balanced awards season momentum with intimate celebrity moments. Memorable speeches and candid photos will circulate online.
- Emotion and gratitude marked many acceptance speeches.
- Photographs from the red carpet and backstage will dominate social feeds.
- The mix of surprises and expected wins kept viewers engaged.
