The 8th Critics’ Choice Awards 2026 nominations are out, honoring the year’s most remarkable work in Indian cinema, web series, documentaries, and short films. The awards, organized by the Film Critics Guild in collaboration with WPP Motion Entertainment, are decided by a panel of 56 critics from across the country.
Leading the feature film nominations is Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, which received six nods, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor for Vishal Jethwa. Meanwhile, the web series Vikramaditya Motwane’s Black Warrant topped its category with seven nominations, becoming the most‑nominated series of the year. Both productions have been praised for their storytelling, performances, and creative vision.
Other films making waves include Rohan Parashuram Kanawade’s Sabar Bonda, Raam Reddy’s Jugnuma, Anusha Rizvi’s The Great Shamsuddin Family, Mari Selvaraj’s Bison Kaalamaadan, and the BAFTA‑winning Boong, reflecting the diversity of Indian cinema today. The Best Film category showcases a mix of regional stories and innovative narratives, demonstrating the growing breadth of talent.
In acting, the nominations celebrate established stars and fresh faces alike. Vishal Jethwa, Mammootty, Basil Joseph, Mounesh Nataranga, and Abhishek Banerjee vie for Best Actor, while Priyanka Bose, Geetha Kailasam, Yami Gautam Dhar, Amruta Subhash, and Sharmila Tagore are in the running for Best Actress. Directors such as Lakshmipriya Devi, Neeraj Ghaywan, Aranya Sahay, Raam Reddy, and Jayant Digambar Somalkar have been recognized for their exceptional vision.
Short films like Aasmaani Jhoola and Maaybaapache Aashirwaad are celebrated, alongside documentaries including Chaar Phool Hain Aur Duniya Hai and I, Poppy. The awards will also honor veteran actor Farida Jalal with the Extraordinary Contribution to Cinema Award.
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