The 31st Critics’ Choice Awards took place on January 4, 2026, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, and our favorite Black female celebrities showed up and slayed. Chelsea Handler hosted the show, which focused on movies and TV from the past year.
Not everyone won an award, but several Black women were nominated, and many others caught attention on the 2026 Critics Choice Awards red carpet. Their work and appearances were part of the night’s conversation.
Throughout the award night, black women shine, from their nominations to performances and appearances. Whether through acting, fashion, or simply showing up, these women reminded audiences why their work matters and why they are worth celebrating.
5 Black Women That Dominated the 31st Critics’ Choice Awards
Teyana Taylor
Teyana Taylor earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role as Perfidia Beverly Hills in One Battle After Another. The film had a strong night, winning Best Picture and Best Director. Although she didn’t win her category, many viewers praised her performance. Her role stood out in the film, and fans shared positive reactions online after the ceremony.
After the awards, Taylor reflected on the night in an Instagram post, “Wow, what a night. We did it!! Being in a room filled with so much love is something I’ll never take for granted.”
On the red carpet, Taylor wore a Saint Laurent suit paired with kneehigh boots and gloves. Her look was shared on Instagram, with fans calling it bold and confident: @dez_dmarshall: “you’re GORGEOUS!!!”, @jaybyrrd: “face card approved”.
Janelle James
Janelle James was one of the night’s winners. She took home Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Ava Coleman on Abbott Elementary. The win added to Abbott Elementary’s awards season success. Fans reacted immediately online, especially longtime viewers who have watched her character grow since the show’s first season.
On X (formerly Twitter), #AvaColemanForever began trending as fans shared clips, memes, and jokes about the moment. One viewer tweeted, “She didn’t just win — she selected that award!” After receiving her award, James posted a photo on Instagram with a short caption: “Grateful, honored, and laughing all the way home.” Her comments section is filled with congratulatory messages. “You earned it, Janelle!”@funnyfansite. “Gurl!!! So incredibly well-deserved and you were serving (per usual)!!!” @bushwickfreddy
Wunmi Mosaku
Wunmi Mosaku received a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role as Annie in the film Sinners. Even though she didn’t win, people said her performance was strong and true. In a Critics Choice Awards interview, Mosaku spoke about preparing for awards season and how meaningful the response to Sinners has been.
For the red carpet, Mosaku chose a simple, elegant gown and a braided hairstyle. Her look and appearances were praised as she shared her photos on Instagram. A fan said @ giannasnapped “royal behaviorrrrr”, another added, @ebbysjb: “that beautiful chocolate woman”.
Sheryl Lee Ralph
Sheryl Lee Ralph was not nominated this year but attended the ceremony as a presenter. She also became one of the most talked about guests of the night. Ralph wore a burgundy gown with sequin details by Tony Ward Couture styled by her daughter, Ivy “Coco” Maurice.
In a fun interview with E! about dealing with long red carpets, Ralph shared her fun shoe hack, “When you’re coming down these red carpets, it’s not time for hiccups… I live by Lidocaine if the shoe even has the possibility of being uncomfortable… and there is no flip‑floppage.” The comment went viral online, with fans enjoying her honesty and humor.
Krys Marshall
Krys Marshall attended the awards while expecting her second child. She revealed her baby bump on the red carpet in a soft champagne gown. Her show Paradise received a Best Drama Series nomination. Although it did not win, fans were happy to see Marshall celebrated both professionally and personally.
On Instagram, people left sweet comments like “Mom radiant!!”, “Stunning! So excited,” and “Congrats mama ❤️👶🏽.” The moment defined that award shows are also about life, joy and personal milestones.
The 31st Critics’ Choice Awards wasn’t only about who won, but also about the presence and recognition of hard work.
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