Chalamet stakes Oscar claim after Critics Choice crown

Hollywood's first major awards night signals the start of a fierce season

LOS ANGELES:

Timothée Chalamet's campaign for Oscar glory received a significant boost this week as he captured the best actor award at the 31st Critics Choice Awards for his performance in 'Marty Supreme', the first major gala of Hollywood's 2026 awards season.

The 30-year-old actor, already a two-time Oscar nominee, defeated stiff competition from Leonardo DiCaprio, whose politically charged thriller 'One Battle After Another' dominated the evening, taking home best picture, best director, and best adapted screenplay for Paul Thomas Anderson.

In 'Marty Supreme' – a film Loosely inspired by the life of Marty Reisman – Chalamet embodies a 1950s table tennis prodigy driven by ambition and the pursuit of recognition in a sport barely known in the United States.

The film charts the journey of a flawed but determined athlete who believes fame and fortune can be achieved through sheer dedication. Chalamet, who previously portrayed Bob Dylan in 'A Complete Unknown', undertook rigorous table tennis training for the role, lending authenticity to his performance.

"Josh, you made a story about a flawed man with a relatable dream," Chalamet said, addressing director Josh Safdie. "And you didn't preach to the audience about what's right and wrong, and I think we should all be telling stories like that, so thank you for this dream."

'One Battle After Another's sweep of top honours confirmed its status as a front-runner for the Academy Awards. Accepting the best director accolade, Anderson reflected on the film's creation, describing it as "the most enjoyable filmmaking experience" of his career.

In the headline acting categories, Jessie Buckley won best actress for her layered portrayal of Anne Hathaway in period drama 'Hamnet'. Many pundits predict this award will mark the beginning of a sustained run for Buckley across this season's major ceremonies.

Supporting acting honours went to Jacob Elordi for his chilling 'Monster in Frankenstein', and Amy Madigan for her villainous role in horror thriller 'Weapons'. 'Frankenstein' also took three technical awards, recognising its production, costume, and design achievements.

Animation emerged as a competitive field, yet Netflix's global streaming hit 'KPop Demon Hunters' triumphed with awards for best animated feature and best song for 'Golden', cementing its status as an international sensation.

Period horror entry 'Sinners', another anticipated contender, claimed trophies for best original screenplay, score, and young actor Miles Caton, highlighting its technical and narrative strengths.

Television was far from sidelined. Hospital drama 'The Pitt' captured best drama series, while Hollywood satire 'The Studio' won best comedy. Limited series 'Adolescence' and 'All Her Fault' earned accolades for ensemble performances and acting, recognising talents including Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Erin Doherty, and Sarah Snook. In talk shows, Jimmy Kimmel Live! claimed the top prize, with the host joking about last year's spat with former US President Donald Trump.

The ceremony, hosted by Chelsea Handler for the fourth consecutive year at Santa Monica's Barker Hangar, opened with a poignant tribute to the late director Rob Reiner. Handler remembered Reiner as "the nicest guy in Hollywood," prompting a standing ovation after recounting his sudden passing last month alongside his wife Michele. Her remarks set a reflective yet celebratory tone for an evening defined by both competition and camaraderie.

Industry observers noted that the Critics Choice Awards, conducted by North America's largest critics' group, can significantly shape the trajectory of awards season. By moving slightly earlier in the calendar, the ceremony now positions itself as an early indicator of industry sentiment, potentially influencing Golden Globes and Academy voters alike.

As Hollywood turns its gaze toward the upcoming Golden Globes and, ultimately, the Oscars on March 15, the narrative set in Santa Monica is clear: Chalamet has emerged as a frontrunner, 'One Battle After Another' commands respect as a heavyweight contender, and the awards season is poised for a fiercely contested, high-profile run.

In a night of glamour, emotion, and strategic signalling, the 31st Critics Choice Awards reminded both the industry and audiences that early accolades can translate into lasting momentum, shaping the stories Hollywood tells and the stars it celebrates.