A Look Back at the 2006 Critics Choice Awards as Hollywood Prepares for 2026

As Hollywood gears up for the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, the ceremony offers a moment of nostalgia by looking back 20 years to a very different era. In 2006, the Critics Choice Awards were focused exclusively on film, long before television categories were added in 2011 and well before streaming reshaped the industry. That year’s ceremony celebrated the biggest movies of the mid-2000s, including Brokeback Mountain, Walk the Line and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, films that defined the cultural conversation of the time.

‘Brokeback Mountain’ Dominates the Night

Brokeback Mountain emerged as the evening’s biggest winner. The groundbreaking drama earned Best Picture and Best Director for Ang Lee, solidifying its place in awards-season history. Michelle Williams won Best Supporting Actress for her performance, sharing the honor with Amy Adams, who was recognized for Junebug. The shared win reflected a competitive year filled with standout performances.

Young Stars Who Grew Up Fast

One of the most memorable moments of the night came from Dakota Fanning, who won for War of the Worlds at just 11 years old. Still needing a step stool to reach the microphone, Fanning thanked director Steven Spielberg and co-star Tom Cruise, marking an early milestone in what would become a long career. That same year, Freddie Highmore won Best Young Actor for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, while future stars Jesse Eisenberg and Daniel Radcliffe received nominations.

Major Wins and Memorable Appearances

Philip Seymour Hoffman took home Best Actor for his portrayal of Truman Capote in Capote, a performance that remains one of the most acclaimed of the decade. Meanwhile, Reese Witherspoon won Best Actress for her role as June Carter Cash in Walk the Line, further cementing her awards-season dominance at the time.

Julia Roberts, George Clooney and a Personal Moment

The ceremony also featured Julia Roberts, making her first public appearance after welcoming twins with husband Danny Moder. She presented the Freedom Award to longtime friend George Clooney for Good Night, and Good Luck. Clooney used his acceptance speech to thank Roberts — and to jokingly ask about her newborn twins — creating one of the night’s most talked-about moments.

A Snapshot of a Different Hollywood

From mid-2000s fashion to film-only prestige, the 2006 Critics Choice Awards captured a moment in Hollywood history that feels increasingly distant. As the 2026 ceremony unfolds, the contrast highlights how much the industry — and the awards circuit — has evolved over two decades.