Awards Season Is Officially Here: What to Watch, Stream, and Root For in January 2026

31st Annual Critics Choice Awards - Show SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 04: (L-R) Kate Hudson presents Timothée Chalamet with the Best Actor Award for "Marty Supreme" onstage during the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 04, 2026 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association) (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Critics Choice )

If your watchlist is suddenly overflowing and your group chats are arguing about who deserves the awards; congratulations, awards season is officially here.

January is when pop culture goes from fun to full-on competitive, and this year’s lineup is already delivering. From global hit songs crossing over into award wins to films and scores getting early buzz, this season feels extra exciting.

One standout moment already? “Golden” — the addictive smash from K-Pop Demon Hunters — just took home Best Song at the Critics Choice Awards, after topping the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks. That kind of chart-to-trophy crossover doesn’t happen often, and it’s a reminder that pop music and prestige are officially living in the same lane.

On the film side, original scores are also stealing the spotlight, with composers like Ludwig Göransson picking up major wins and heading into Golden Globes and Oscar nominations with serious momentum.

If you’re looking for what to watch, stream, or root for this month, here’s the simple rule: if it’s everywhere right now, it’s probably awards-bound. January is the month when pop culture favorites turn into official

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