Timothée Chalamet won Best Actor at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards for his role in Marty Supreme, marking a major boost to his Oscar campaign. The event, held on January 4, 2026, in Santa Monica, highlighted his portrayal of a driven 1950s table tennis champion. Critics praised the performance for its depth and ambition-driven intensity.
Critics Choice Awards 2026 Highlights
Hosted by Chelsea Handler at the Barker Hangar, the Critics Choice Awards 2026 honored top films and TV shows voted by North America’s largest critics group. One Battle After Another dominated with Best Picture, Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, and Best Adapted Screenplay wins. Jessie Buckley claimed Best Actress for Hamnet, while Jacob Elordi and Amy Madigan took supporting acting honors for Frankenstein and Weapons, respectively.
Chalamet’s victory over competitors like Leonardo DiCaprio solidified his frontrunner status, as Critics Choice often predicts Oscar trends. Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters won Best Animated Feature and Best Song, adding vibrant energy to the night. TV winners included The Pitt for Best Drama Series and The Studio for Best Comedy.
Chalamet’s Winning Performance
In Marty Supreme, directed by Josh Safdie, Chalamet embodies Marty Reisman, a real-life ping-pong prodigy chasing glory amid personal flaws. The film earned eight nominations, showcasing Chalamet’s transformative acting in a sports drama infused with 1950s grit. His win adds to prior accolades like the 2026 Palm Springs Spotlight Actor Award for the same role.
During acceptance, Chalamet credited Safdie: “Josh, you made a story about a flawed man with a relatable dream… Thank you for this dream.” He admitted nerves, saying, “I’m more nervous than I thought I’d be,” blending vulnerability with triumph. At 30, victory positions him as a potential second-youngest Best Actor Oscar winner ever.
Heartfelt Shoutout to Kylie Jenner
A standout moment came when Chalamet publicly thanked girlfriend Kylie Jenner: “Thank you to my partner for three years. I love you. I couldn’t do this without you.” Cameras captured Jenner mouthing “I love you” back, creating a viral, intimate highlight amid career-focused speeches. The couple later attended the after-party, fueling fan excitement.
This rare personal nod contrasted Chalamet’s usual privacy, amplifying media buzz around the power couple. Jenner, present in the audience, supported amid his rising awards profile.
Oscar Implications and Career Momentum
The Critics Choice win strengthens Chalamet’s Oscars path, with nominations voting underway before the March 15 ceremony. Past nominees like his 2018 Call Me by Your Name and 2025 A Complete Unknown bids build his 140+ nomination tally, including 41 wins. Industry experts note the award’s predictive power, though not foolproof.
Marty Supreme’s critical acclaim, paired with Chalamet’s versatility from Dune to Wonka positions 2026 as his breakout year. Golden Globes on January 11 loom next, testing sustained momentum. Fans and analysts eye history, as his youth and prior nods fuel “multiple Oscars” ambitions.
Red Carpet and Other Buzz
Chalamet stunned in sleek tailoring, joining stars like Ariana Grande in Wicked-inspired glamour and Elle Fanning. Handler’s monologue tributed late director Rob Reiner, blending humor with heart including jabs at President Donald Trump via Jimmy Kimmel’s speech. Sinners snagged Best Original Screenplay, while genre films like Frankenstein excelled.
The ceremony aired on USA Network and E!, recapped widely for must-see clips. Chalamet’s speech and Jenner moment trended, underscoring his cultural pull.
This Timothée Chalamet Critics Choice Awards moment cements his elite status, blending talent, timing, and personal charm. As awards season heats up, expect more headlines.
Read More: Timothée Chalamet CRUSHES 2026 Critics Choice: Kylie ‘I Love You’ Moment You NEED to See!