Timothee Chalamet and Jessie Buckley have picked up big acting prizes at the Critics Choice Awards, which have kicked off Hollywood’s awards season.
Both stars are widely predicted to be in the running for Oscars when the nominations are announced later this month, and are also among the nominees at this weekend’s Golden Globes ceremony.
One Battle After Another, starring nominee Leonardo DiCaprio, was named the Critics’ Choice best picture and filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson took home the best director prize.
In the TV categories, acclaimed British drama Adolescence picked up four prizes, including acting awards for Stephen Graham, Erin Doherty, and the show’s young star Owen Cooper.
The Critics Choice Awards, hosted this year by comedian Chelsea Handler in Santa Monica, California, honours the year’s best in film, streaming and television as voted on by critics and journalists, and are seen as an early indicator in the Oscars race.
Chalamet received the best actor award for his portrayal of a young man who dreams of becoming a table tennis champion in Marty Supreme – and thanked his girlfriend Kylie Jenner as well as director Josh Safdie as he gave his acceptance speech.
“Josh, you made a story about a flawed man with a relatable dream, and you didn’t preach to the audience about what’s right and wrong,” the American star said. “And I think we should all be telling stories like that.”
The 30-year-old star added: “Lastly, I’ll just say thank you to my partner of three years. Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Chalamet, who was an Oscar nominee last year for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, collected the gong the day after accepting the spotlight award at The Palm Springs International Film Awards.
Jessie Buckley pays tribute to ‘giant of the heart’ Paul Mescal
Irish actress Buckley was named best actress for her performance in the historical drama Hamnet.
The film, which is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel of the same name, explores the relationship between William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes Hathaway – historically known as Anne – following the death of their 11-year-old son.
During her speech, Buckley thanked director Chloe Zhao and co-stars Paul Mescal and Emily Watson.
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“Chloe Zhao, you have reminded me of the power of telling a story and the journey that you can go on to touch the deepest parts of what it is to be alive, thank you,” she said.
“Paul, I bloody love you man – and I know loads of other women do in this room too – but tough shit.
“I could drink you like water working with you every single day. You’re a giant of the heart and thank you so much for making me a little bit more human.”
Netflix series Adolescence, which was among the platform’s most-watched titles of 2025, follows a 13-year-old boy arrested for the murder of a classmate.
Adolescence star Cooper, now 16, took home the prize for best supporting actor in a limited series, while his co-stars Graham and Doherty were awarded best actor and best supporting actress in a limited series, respectively.
The Critics Choice prizes are the latest in a string of awards received by the show and its cast, including several Emmys. The stars are also up for Golden Globes this weekend.
“The past year has been a complete whirlwind for me and my family,” Cooper said in his speech. “Honestly, it’s changed our lives forever and we’re forever grateful.”
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy picked up the award for best movie made for television, while horror film Sinners won four categories including best casting and best ensemble, and KPop Demon Hunters’ lead track Golden took the prize for best song.
