Awards season officially moves into high gear on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, when film and televisionâs biggest names arrive in Santa Monica, California, for the 31st annual Critics’ Choice Awards. Before the trophies are handed out inside the Barker Hangar, the spotlight will shine on the red carpet, where nominees, presenters, and rising stars make their first appearance of the night.
For viewers eager to catch the fashion, interviews, and candid pre-show moments, the Critics’ Choice Awards red carpet will stream live across several platforms. From cable television to social media, audiences have multiple ways to tune in and watch the night unfold in real time.
The awards ceremony will air live at 7 p.m. Eastern on E! and USA Network. Comedian Chelsea Handler returns as host for the fourth consecutive year, according to the Critics’ Choice Association. The red carpet coverage begins earlier in the evening, giving fans a front-row seat to Hollywoodâs arrivals.
When the Red Carpet Coverage Begins
Red carpet coverage for the Critics’ Choice Awards will start at 5 p.m. Eastern, two hours before the main ceremony. E! will lead the pre-show with its âLive From E!: Critics’ Choice Awardsâ special, which focuses on celebrity arrivals, fashion breakdowns, and interviews from the carpet.
According to E!, the red carpet special will feature hosts and correspondents speaking with nominees and presenters as they arrive, offering early reactions and insight ahead of the ceremony. The coverage will continue until the awards broadcast begins.
Viewers who tune in early can expect designer details, cast reunions, and commentary on the seasonâs biggest contenders, setting the tone for the rest of the evening.
Where to Watch and Stream Live
Audiences can watch the red carpet live on E! through cable or satellite providers. USA Network will also carry coverage tied to the event, according to NBCUniversal.
For viewers without traditional cable, several streaming options are available. The E! and USA Network apps will offer live streams for users who log in with a TV provider. NBCUniversalâs streaming platform Peacock will stream the awards ceremony live, though red carpet coverage may be limited to select clips and segments, according to Today.
E! will also share red carpet moments across its digital platforms. According to E! News, the network plans to post interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and fashion highlights on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube throughout the evening. These platforms allow viewers to follow along without a cable subscription.
The Critics’ Choice Association will also post updates and highlights on its official social media channels, providing additional access to arrivals and key moments from the carpet.
Why the Red Carpet Matters
While the Critics’ Choice Awards honor excellence in film and television, the red carpet has become a major event in its own right. It often serves as an early indicator of awards season trends, from breakout performers gaining attention to designers making bold statements ahead of the Oscars.
The red carpet also offers a rare moment when criticsâ favorites and mainstream stars share the same space, reflecting the unique position the Critics’ Choice Awards hold in the awards calendar.
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