Food Fiasco: Critics Choice Awards 2026 Catering Controversy
The 2026 Critics Choice Awards made headlines for their food choices, following a successful event where actors like Timothée Chalamet and Jessie Buckley won top honors. New York Times columnist Kyle Buchanan shared a photo of the food served at the event, which included a snack plate with crackers, grapes, cheese, hummus, spanakopita, caprese skewers, and dried apricots. Fans and critics alike took to social media to express their disappointment and amusement at the menu, with some questioning the budget and quality of the food.
The official awards page also made light of the catering situation, joking that while it may not be "Best Picture" food, it was still a memorable night. Fans reacted with surprise and humor, comparing the snack plate to airline food and expressing disbelief at the simplicity of the menu. Comedian Janelle James even poked fun at the food during her acceptance speech, joking about the lack of substantial meals at the event.
This is not the first time the Critics Choice Awards faced criticism for their food choices, as the 2024 event saw celebrities receiving bagged pizza instead of a more elaborate meal. Oprah Winfrey, Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, and Taraji P. Henson were among those who received the unconventional meal, with Barrino humorously asking, "Where are the lamb chops?" The ongoing discussion about the event's food menu highlights the importance of catering choices at high-profile award shows and the impact they can have on attendees and viewers alike.