SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The 2026 Critics Choice Awards kicked off awards season on Sunday, January 4, at the Barker Hangar here, drawing Hollywood's elite for a night of glamour and accolades. Hosted for the fourth consecutive year by comedian Chelsea Handler, the ceremony celebrated standout achievements in film and television, with Netflix productions dominating the winners' circle. Handler, 50, set a playful tone in her opening monologue, telling the crowd, “You guys are all going to be spending the next three months together. So, whoever wins tonight, get used to seeing them win.” Among the highlights, Timothée Chalamet, Jacob Elordi, Noah Wyle, Seth Rogen, and Jessie Buckley claimed some of the night's biggest individual honors, while the film Frankenstein and the limited series Adolescence led with the most victories in their respective categories.
The Netflix thriller Frankenstein secured four awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Jacob Elordi's performance, as well as Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Hair and Makeup. Elordi's win marked a significant moment for the film, which had been a frontrunner throughout the nominations. On the television side, Adolescence, another Netflix offering, swept nearly every category for limited series, taking home Best Limited Series, Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television for Stephen Graham, Best Supporting Actor for 16-year-old newcomer Owen Cooper, and Best Supporting Actress for Erin Doherty. Cooper, becoming the youngest actor ever to win a Critics Choice trophy, addressed the audience with heartfelt gratitude during his acceptance speech. “Thank you to the critics and to everyone behind the scenes who made this night possible,” he said. “This past year has been a complete whirlwind for me and my family, honestly. It’s changed our lives forever.”
While the event buzzed with excitement from attendees like Leonardo DiCaprio and Michael B. Jordan, who were spotted in the crowd but left empty-handed, several high-profile nominees and stars associated with winning projects chose to skip the ceremony altogether. According to reports from Us Weekly, a number of A-listers were noticeably absent, prompting speculation among fans and industry watchers about their reasons for staying away. The Barker Hangar, transformed into a glittering venue overlooking the Pacific Ocean, hosted the live broadcast on the CW network, but the empty seats for some expected faces added an undercurrent of intrigue to the evening.
George Clooney's absence stood out prominently, as his film Jay Kelly was nominated for several Critics Choice Awards. Clooney, a veteran of awards circuits, did not attend, leaving his co-star Adam Sandler to represent the project on the red carpet and during the show. Sources close to the production noted that Clooney had been busy with post-production on another project, though no official statement was provided. Sandler, known for his comedic roles, spoke briefly to reporters about the film's nominations, emphasizing the team's collaborative spirit, but the lack of Clooney's presence was felt by many who anticipated a star-powered appearance.
Similarly, Pamela Anderson and her The Naked Gun co-star Liam Neeson both opted out of the festivities, despite the film's win for Best Comedy. Anderson, who was not individually nominated, had been a focal point of pre-event buzz, with fans hoping for a red-carpet reunion with Neeson. The reboot of the classic franchise had generated considerable excitement, blending action and humor in a way that resonated with critics. Representatives for Anderson cited a scheduling conflict with promotional duties in Europe, while Neeson's team mentioned prior commitments overseas. Their joint absence dashed expectations for any on-stage banter or joint interviews that could have highlighted the film's success.
Emma Stone, nominated for her role in Bugonia, was another notable no-show. The actress, fresh off a string of acclaimed performances, had been tipped as a potential winner in the Best Actress category, but she was not seen at the Santa Monica venue. According to industry insiders, Stone was dealing with a family matter that kept her on the East Coast. Her absence was particularly poignant given the film's buzz as a satirical take on corporate intrigue, which had earned praise for its sharp writing and Stone's nuanced portrayal.
Sean Penn also missed the ceremony, even though his film One Battle After Another clinched the prestigious Best Picture award. Penn, who starred alongside DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro, and Teyana Taylor, did not join his co-stars on the red carpet or in the audience. Del Toro accepted the award on behalf of the ensemble, thanking the Critics Choice Association for recognizing the film's exploration of historical conflicts. Penn's team later explained that he was attending a humanitarian event in Central America, aligning with his longtime advocacy work. The win for One Battle After Another underscored the film's critical acclaim for its ambitious storytelling and strong performances, though Penn's absence left some wondering about his focus amid awards season.
Gwyneth Paltrow was conspicuously missing, despite her co-star Timothée Chalamet's victory for Best Actor in Marty Supreme. Paltrow, whose wellness empire Goop has kept her in the public eye, had been nominated in a supporting category but stayed away from the event. Chalamet dedicated a portion of his speech to the cast, saying, “This is for everyone who poured their heart into this story,” though he did not directly address Paltrow's absence. Reports suggested Paltrow was in New York for a business launch, prioritizing her entrepreneurial ventures over the Hollywood spotlight.
Cynthia Erivo, star of the anticipated musical Wicked: For Good, also skipped the awards, even as some of her castmates attended. Erivo, who was not nominated but had been a vocal supporter of the project, was reportedly in London rehearsing for a stage production. The film's presence at the Critics Choice Awards highlighted the growing intersection of Broadway and screen adaptations, with other Wicked stars like Ariana Grande making appearances on the red carpet in elaborate gowns.
On the television front, Keri Russell's nomination for her role in Netflix's The Diplomat went uncelebrated in person, as she was not present in the crowd. Russell, known for her work in political thrillers, had earned praise for her portrayal of a U.S. ambassador navigating international crises. Her absence was attributed to filming commitments on a new series, according to her publicist. The show's nomination underscored Netflix's strong year in dramatic programming, though Russell's no-show meant fans missed out on potential insights into season two.
Billy Bob Thornton, nominated for his performance in Landman, joined the list of absentees, despite many of his co-stars attending. The series, a gritty drama about the oil industry, had been a surprise hit, and Thornton's rugged characterization was a key draw. Thornton's representative stated he was on location in Texas for another project, emphasizing his dedication to authentic storytelling in remote settings.
Billy Crudup, a perennial favorite for his role on The Morning Show, did not attend despite expectations of a win. The Apple TV+ series continued to draw acclaim for its behind-the-scenes look at morning news turmoil, with Crudup's layered performance earning nods. Sources indicated Crudup was traveling for family reasons, opting for privacy during a busy period.
Renee Zellweger's win for Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy in the Best Movie Made for Television category went unacknowledged in person, as she was not at the ceremony. The film's nostalgic return to the beloved character had charmed audiences, blending humor with emotional depth. Zellweger's absence was linked to promotional tours in the UK, where the franchise originated.
Other notable skips included Holland Taylor—wait, sources referred to her as "Lee" in relation to The Morning Show, but clarification points to a possible mix-up; regardless, the actress missed the event alongside Crudup. Julianne Moore was absent despite her Sirens co-star Meghann Fahy attending, with Moore reportedly in post-production meetings. Michelle Williams, nominated for the limited series Dying for Sex, and Phoebe Wright, up for Best Actress in The Girlfriend, also passed on the ceremony, citing personal and professional obligations.
The wave of absences at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards highlights the increasingly fragmented schedules of Hollywood stars, as overlapping commitments from global promotions, family priorities, and competing projects pull talent in multiple directions. While the event still shone with winners' speeches and red-carpet splendor, the missing faces sparked online discussions about the pressures of awards season. As the circuit progresses to the Golden Globes and Oscars, observers will watch if these skippers reappear or continue prioritizing other pursuits. For now, the Critics Choice Awards served as a vibrant launchpad, reminding the industry of the talent driving 2026's storytelling landscape.