The 31st Critics Choice Awards will broadcast live on The CW on Sunday at 4 p.m. PT, hosted by Chelsea Handler. The genre-bending horror film Sinners enters with the most nominations at 17, followed closely by other contenders. Viewers without cable can stream the event via services like DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo TV.
Awards season gains momentum as the 31st Critics Choice Awards approaches, marking a shift to broadcast television after years on cable. The Critics Choice Association has partnered with The CW, making the ceremony more accessible through local affiliates and streaming platforms.
The event kicks off at 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET) on Sunday, with comedian Chelsea Handler returning as host. For those cutting the cord, options include DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo TV, which carry CW channels nationwide.
Nominations highlight a mix of studio films and auteur works. Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, leads with 17 nods, including best picture, best director, best actor for Michael B. Jordan, and best supporting actress for Wunmi Mosaku. It also contends in technical categories like cinematography, production design, costume design, editing, visual effects, sound, and hair and makeup.
Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another follows with 14 nominations, featuring four acting mentions. Frankenstein and Hamnet each secure 11 nods, establishing a competitive top tier.
Spotlight falls on acting categories. Timothée Chalamet, recently honored with the Spotlight Actor of the Year Award at the Palm Springs Film Festival on Saturday, vies for best lead actor in Marty Supreme. The supporting actress race pits Ariana Grande (Wicked: For Good) against Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another), with Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value) as a potential upset.
This broadcast format simplifies viewing, broadening reach beyond traditional cable audiences.