Kathy Bates was the highlight of the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, delivering a funny and playful tribute to Timothée Chalamet.
The funny moment happened during the awards show when host Chelsea Handler mentioned Timothée Chalamet’s nomination for his role as a ping pong expert in the movie Marty Supreme.
Handler, 50, jokingly mentioned that the actor playing Marty Supreme refused a body double for certain scenes. To add some fun, she announced that someone in the audience had a ping pong paddle hidden under their seat, and whoever found it would get to playfully spank Timothée at the afterparty.
Cameras soon showed that actress Bates, who was up for an award for her role in Matlock, had the paddle and wasn’t afraid to use it.
Bates playfully licked the paddle while sitting down, which got a big laugh from the crowd at the event in Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar.
She even appeared surprised by what she did, repeatedly telling the camera, “That’s so gross,” immediately after it happened. The clip quickly became popular online.
“I can’t believe I actually did that!” Bates exclaimed, before turning to Handler and happily telling her she’d won the paddle.
‘Kathy Bates, lucky you! Yes!’ Handler cheered from the stage, leaving the audience roaring.
As a lifestyle observer, I’ve noticed some interesting dynamics unfolding around Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner. It seems like the playful teasing they experienced on the red carpet – everyone was definitely talking about it! – may have prompted Bates to share some insights. It’s always fascinating when public moments lead to deeper conversations, isn’t it?
I was absolutely living for Meg Stalter and Paul W. Downs at the event in Santa Monica! They completely nailed it, showing up dressed exactly like they did at the Marty Supreme premiere – those Chrome Hearts outfits looked amazing on them then, and they were perfect all over again. Seriously, a total highlight!
This wasn’t a casual nod – it was a full-blown send-up.
Okay, so you will NOT believe this. This guy, Downs – he’s 43, can you even imagine? – completely transformed himself into Timothée Chalamet! He went full-on method, seriously. He showed up rocking this incredible, bright orange leather suit – a full suit, with a silk shirt and boots to match! It was like, Timothée himself had materialized. I nearly lost it, honestly.
Stalter, age 35, convincingly portrayed Jenner while wearing a long, orange dress featuring striking cutouts at the chest and waist.
They playfully copied the famous poses of Jenner and Chalamet from the “Marty” premiere, mimicking everything from how they stood to how they moved on the red carpet.
Similar to Jenner, Stalter expertly copied her mannerisms – posing and pouting for the cameras, subtly correcting Downs’ hand positions, and even mirroring Jenner’s famous hand gestures.
She playfully responded to something, tossing her hair and leaning into Downs’ embrace. She then glanced back over her shoulder with a flirty look, reminiscent of a famous pose by Jenner on the red carpet.
Oh my gosh, the outfit was completed with this amazing cross necklace and the cutest orange heels! It was SO obvious she was inspired by what Jenner wore – like, a total tribute, and I was living for it! It just felt so… her.
Erica D. Schwartz designed the duo’s fantastic costumes, but it was their funny performance that really captivated the audience.
Hacks, the Emmy-winning HBO comedy, features Jean Smart as a famous Las Vegas comedian who develops a complicated relationship with a young writer, played by Hannah Einbinder.
Stalter is fantastic as Kayla Schaefer, a hilariously inappropriate and overly confident assistant who consistently steals the show with her unpredictable behavior.
Damian Downs, also a co-creator and executive producer on the show, stars as Jimmy LuSaque Jr., a quick-witted manager always hustling to succeed and keep his clients happy.
Oh my gosh, the night just kept getting better and better! First, I spotted Downs and Stalter, and then, can you believe it, Smart and Einbinder showed up on the red carpet too?! It seriously amplified the whole star-powered vibe – I was completely losing it!
Timothée Chalamet, 30, and Kendall Jenner, 28, first sparked attention with their matching outfits at the premiere of Marty Supreme on December 8th. This was their second time appearing together on a red carpet.
The couple first appeared publicly together earlier this year in Rome at the David Di Donatello Awards, where Timothée Chalamet received an award recognizing his contributions to film.
Timothée Chalamet has been nominated for Best Actor for his performance in Marty Supreme. He’s competing against strong contenders including Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), Michael B. Jordan (Sinners), and Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent).
The nominees for Best Actress are Jessie Buckley for her role in ‘Hamnet,’ Rose Byrne in ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,’ Chase Infiniti for ‘One Battle After Another,’ Renate Reinsve in ‘Sentimental Value,’ Amanda Seyfried for ‘The Testament of Ann Lee,’ and Emma Stone for ‘Bugonia’.
The nominees for Best Supporting Actor are Benicio Del Toro for One Battle After Another, Jacob Elordi for Frankenstein, Paul Mescal for Hamnet, Sean Penn for One Battle After Another, Adam Sandler for Jay Kelly, and Stellan Skarsgård for Sentimental Value.
The nominees for Best Supporting Actress are Elle Fanning for ‘Sentimental Value’, Ariana Grande for ‘Wicked: For Good’, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for ‘Sentimental Value’, Amy Madigan for ‘Weapons’, Wunmi Mosaku for ‘Sinners’, and Teyana Taylor for ‘One Battle After Another’.
On the television side, the acting races are just as competitive.
The leading contenders for best Drama Series actor include Sterling K. Brown for ‘Paradise’, Adam Scott for ‘Severance’, Diego Luna for ‘Andor’, Billy Bob Thornton for ‘Landman’, and Keri Russell for ‘The Diplomat’. Bella Ramsey (‘The Last of Us’) and Carrie Coon (‘The Gilded Age’) also delivered noteworthy performances.
Oh my gosh, the comedy nominations are AMAZING! I’m seriously obsessed with Adam Brody and Kristen Bell in ‘Nobody Wants This,’ they’re hilarious! And Ted Danson? Still killing it in ‘A Man on the Inside’! But honestly, Jean Smart in ‘Hacks’ is a goddess, and Danny McBride in ‘The Righteous Gemstones’ is just pure genius. Don’t even get me started on Seth Rogen in ‘The Studio’ – he’s always gold! I need to watch them all again, immediately!
The leading contenders for limited series and TV movie awards include Stephen Graham for ‘Adolescence’, Brian Tyree Henry for ‘Dope Thief’, Charlie Hunnam for ‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’, Sarah Snook for ‘All Her Fault’, Michelle Williams for ‘Dying for Sex’, and Renée Zellweger for ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy’.
Several actors delivered particularly strong performances in supporting roles, including Tramell Tillman from Severance, Billy Crudup in The Morning Show, Allison Janney from The Diplomat, Hannah Einbinder in Hacks, Janelle James from Abbott Elementary, Julianne Moore in Sirens, and Nick Offerman from Death by Lightning.
On television, ‘Adolescence’ is the frontrunner with six nominations, while ‘Nobody Wants This’ is close behind with five.
Popular titles such as The Diplomat, Hacks, The Pitt, All Her Fault, and Ghosts also performed very well.
Major film and TV studios are fiercely competing for recognition, with Warner Bros. receiving the most film nominations and Netflix leading in television nominations.
This year’s event will feature four new award categories: best variety series, outstanding casting, innovative stunt design, and exceptional sound.
On the red carpet, expect a parade of A-listers.
Stars like Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, and Ariana Grande are anticipated to be at the ceremony, along with presenters such as Colman Domingo, Regina Hall, Diego Luna, Allison Janney, Kaley Cuoco, Ava DuVernay, Bradley Whitford, and Billy Bob Thornton.
Oh my gosh, the Critics Choice Awards! I’ve been following them forever! It all started way back in 1995, and it’s amazing to think it began with just a small group – like, only about 60 people! – of film journalists who were so passionate about recognizing truly great movies. They really started something special, and I’ve been hooked ever since!
The organization grew to cover both television and streaming content, and films that won its awards – such as La La Land, Nomadland, and Everything Everywhere All at Once – often went on to win Oscars as well.
What started as a small meeting has grown into a large, glamorous event held at the Barker Hangar, attracting hundreds of celebrities and fans excited to see who wins early awards.
The 31st Critics Choice Awards also represent Jo Koy’s return to E!, the network where he hosted his talk show for eight years.
The show has had different hosts in recent years. Taye Diggs hosted from 2019 to 2021, and in 2022, he shared hosting duties with Nicole Byer.
The show has previously been hosted by a variety of talented individuals, including Olivia Munn, T.J. Miller, Michael Strahan, Aisha Tyler, Kristin Chenoweth, and D.L. Hughley.
Actor Eric McCormack served as the ceremony’s first-ever host in 2005.
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2026-01-05 05:50