What the Critics Choice Awards Are and When They Typically Occur
The Critics Choice Association presents two major televised ceremonies, the Critics Choice Awards (for film and broader entertainment) and the Critics Choice Super Awards (for genre and action content), with most main film and TV awards reserved for the Critics Choice Awards. In recent years the Critics Choice Awards have followed a predictable seasonal rhythm, usually taking place in early to mid January after the Golden Globes and ahead of the Academy Awards. This timing positions results amid the broader awards season while allowing broadcast partners and production companies to plan around the established windows. Below we clarify typical air dates, how the schedule is set, and how to track future announcements for ongoing planning.
How the Critics Choice Awards Schedule Is Determined
The Critics Choice schedule is coordinated by the Critics Choice Association in consultation with the broadcast or cable network that holds the telecast rights. Historically NBC aired the ceremony for many years, with CW also staging a later ceremony at one point. Decisions about exact timing are influenced by the broader awards calendar, network scheduling priorities, and lead time needed for production and marketing. New date announcements are usually made publicly in the preceding year, often through official press releases and trade reporting that note the planned air window.
Typical Air Windows and Recent Historical Dates
While precise dates vary, the Critics Choice Awards have consistently clustered in the early part of the calendar year. Below is a table showing verified historical air dates and the award year they honored to illustrate the pattern.
| Award Year Honored | Typical Air Window | Verified Air Date Example (if available) | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Early January | January 15, 2023 (18th Critics Choice Awards) | Signals momentum into the major awards stretch |
| 2022 | Early January | March 13, 2022 (27th Critics Choice Awards, delayed) | Pandemic-related shift illustrates schedule flexibility |
| 2021 | February | February 28, 2021 (26th Critics Choice Awards) | Continues pattern of winter air dates despite delays |
| 2020 | Early January | January 12, 2020 (25th Critics Choice Awards) | Reinforces routine early year positioning |
| 2019 | January | January 13, 2019 (24th Critics Choice Awards) | Helps anchor recurring seasonal expectations |
Where to Watch and How Broadcasters Announce Dates
When the Critics Choice Awards air on a specific network, that broadcaster typically confirms the ceremony date alongside upfront announcements and promotional campaigns. Trade outlets such as Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline report the confirmed air date once the network and association finalize plans. You can also verify timing through the Critics Choice Association official channels, the network press center, reputable entertainment news sites, and the network’s own programming grid. Streaming availability varies by region and network app access, so check local lineups and authenticated TV Everywhere options on the network’s service.
Practical Planning Tips for Future Awards Seasons
- Monitor Critics Choice Association announcements in the months leading up to the ceremony, usually starting 6–9 months beforehand.
- Set calendar reminders for early January windows after major awards like the Golden Globes.
- Check network press releases and trusted entertainment trade outlets for the most current confirmed date each year.
- Use TV tracking tools and network apps to receive alerts about schedule changes or preemption notices.
How This Differs From Other Critics Group Honors
It is important to distinguish the Critics Choice Awards from other critics groups, such as the Los Angeles Film Critics Association or the National Society of Film Critics, which announce winners at different times and typically do not air on broadcast television. The Critics Choice Awards presented by the Critics Choice Association are the ones commonly referenced when people ask about a televised critics honors in the early part of the year. Other critics groups may convene in different seasons and follow distinct calendars not tied to network broadcasts.
Key Takeaways and Quick Reference
For planning purposes, remember that the Critics Choice Awards are an early awards season event, generally scheduled in January after major precursors and ahead of the Oscars. Exact dates are confirmed annually by the Critics Choice Association and the broadcast partner, so always verify the current year’s schedule through official channels as the date approaches.