'Superman' leads film nominees at the 2026 Critics Choice Super Awards

I concluded 'Jordan Klepper Fingers the Pulse: Give the Man a Prize' plus the Emmy nominees for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special by telling my readers, "Stay tuned for more tomorrow, although I expect the Critics Choice Super Awards nominees will be announced later today, so stay tuned to see if I shift to them." That's what I'm doing, so time for the relevant paragraph from the press release.

“Superman” leads this year’s film nominees, having earned six nominations including Best Superhero Movie. David Corenswet, Edi Gathegi, and Nicholas Hoult all received nominations for Best Actor in a Superhero Movie, while Nicholas Hoult received an additional nod for Best Villain in a Movie. Rachel Brosnahan is also up for Best Actress in a Superhero Movie.

I'm repeating the nominees from the preview image.

Best Superhero Movie*

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
Exit 8
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Masters of the Universe
Mortal Kombat II
Supergirl
Superman

The two top nominees are, of course, Superman with six nominations and Fantastic Four: First Steps with four. This sets up a rematch of Fantastic Four: First Steps vs. Superman from the Saturn Awards. Fantastic Four: First Steps won that match, but I expect Superman will win this one. Welcome to the critics vs. the fans.

Masters of the Universe also has four nominations, but I doubt it is as strong as Fantastic Four: First Steps. It's followed by Exit 8, Mortal Kombat II, and Supergirl with two and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle with just this one.

What does this mean for the Saturn Awards? Not much. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and Superman were already recognized. Exit 8 would likely be nominated for International Film or Horror Film and Masters of the Universe would work better as a Fantasy Film, leaving Mortal Kombat II and Supergirl. I suspect the latter will earn at least one Razzie nomination for Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-Off or Sequel, but probably won't "win." Whew. Instead, I think the contest will be between two movies not yet released, Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: Doomsday. Other films that could join them would be Resident Evil and Street Fighter. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and the upcoming The Angry Birds Movie 3 could be nominated, but they're more likely to be recognized under animation.

Follow over the jump for the acting nominations.


I'm rooting for David Corenswet as Superman/Clark Kent, but I wouldn't be surprised if Pedro Pascal or Nicholas Hoult upsets him.


Milly Alcock and to a lesser extent Vanessa Kirby are the only title characters nominated, which might count for something. That written, I'm rooting for two Emmy winners, Rachel Brosnahan and Julia Garner.


Nicholas Hoult is the superhero choice, but I wouldn't be surprised if Amy Madigan or Oona Chaplin win instead.

That's a wrap for today's installment. Stay tuned for more awards show coverage tomorrow.