LOS ANGELES:
Timothée Chalamet’s marketing campaign for Oscar glory obtained a major increase this week as he captured the perfect actor award on the thirty first Critics Selection Awards for his efficiency in ‘Marty Supreme’, the primary main gala of Hollywood’s 2026 awards season.
The 30-year-old actor, already a two-time Oscar nominee, defeated stiff competitors from Leonardo DiCaprio, whose politically charged thriller ‘One Battle After One other’ dominated the night, taking residence greatest image, greatest director, and greatest tailored screenplay for Paul Thomas Anderson.
In ‘Marty Supreme’ – a movie Loosely impressed by the lifetime of Marty Reisman – Chalamet embodies a Fifties desk tennis prodigy pushed by ambition and the pursuit of recognition in a sport barely identified in the US.
The movie charts the journey of a flawed however decided athlete who believes fame and fortune will be achieved by means of sheer dedication. Chalamet, who beforehand portrayed Bob Dylan in ‘A Full Unknown’, undertook rigorous desk tennis coaching for the position, lending authenticity to his efficiency.
“Josh, you made a narrative a few flawed man with a relatable dream,” Chalamet stated, addressing director Josh Safdie. “And also you did not preach to the viewers about what’s proper and flawed, and I feel we should always all be telling tales like that, so thanks for this dream.”
‘One Battle After One other’s sweep of high honours confirmed its standing as a front-runner for the Academy Awards. Accepting the perfect director accolade, Anderson mirrored on the movie’s creation, describing it as “probably the most pleasing filmmaking expertise” of his profession.
Within the headline performing classes, Jessie Buckley received greatest actress for her layered portrayal of Anne Hathaway in interval drama ‘Hamnet’. Many pundits predict this award will mark the start of a sustained run for Buckley throughout this season’s main ceremonies.
Supporting performing honours went to Jacob Elordi for his chilling ‘Monster in Frankenstein’, and Amy Madigan for her villainous position in horror thriller ‘Weapons’. ‘Frankenstein’ additionally took three technical awards, recognising its manufacturing, costume, and design achievements.
Animation emerged as a aggressive discipline, but Netflix’s international streaming hit ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ triumphed with awards for greatest animated characteristic and greatest tune for ‘Golden’, cementing its standing as a global sensation.
Interval horror entry ‘Sinners’, one other anticipated contender, claimed trophies for greatest unique screenplay, rating, and younger actor Miles Caton, highlighting its technical and narrative strengths.
Tv was removed from sidelined. Hospital drama ‘The Pitt’ captured greatest drama collection, whereas Hollywood satire ‘The Studio’ received greatest comedy. Restricted collection ‘Adolescence’ and ‘All Her Fault’ earned accolades for ensemble performances and performing, recognising skills together with Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Erin Doherty, and Sarah Snook. In discuss exhibits, Jimmy Kimmel Stay! claimed the highest prize, with the host joking about final 12 months’s spat with former US President Donald Trump.
The ceremony, hosted by Chelsea Handler for the fourth consecutive 12 months at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar, opened with a poignant tribute to the late director Rob Reiner. Handler remembered Reiner as “the nicest man in Hollywood,” prompting a standing ovation after recounting his sudden passing final month alongside his spouse Michele. Her remarks set a reflective but celebratory tone for a night outlined by each competitors and camaraderie.
Business observers famous that the Critics Selection Awards, performed by North America’s largest critics’ group, can considerably form the trajectory of awards season. By transferring barely earlier within the calendar, the ceremony now positions itself as an early indicator of trade sentiment, probably influencing Golden Globes and Academy voters alike.
As Hollywood turns its gaze towards the upcoming Golden Globes and, in the end, the Oscars on March 15, the narrative set in Santa Monica is evident: Chalamet has emerged as a frontrunner, ‘One Battle After One other’ instructions respect as a heavyweight contender, and the awards season is poised for a fiercely contested, high-profile run.
In an evening of glamour, emotion, and strategic signalling, the thirty first Critics Selection Awards reminded each the trade and audiences that early accolades can translate into lasting momentum, shaping the tales Hollywood tells and the celebrities it celebrates.
