The Critics Choice Association has unveiled the distinguished recipients for its 2026 Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television, highlighting some of the most talked-about and influential series in recent memory.

Among the honorees are the creative forces behind HBO Max’s groundbreaking queer hockey drama Heated Rivalry and Netflix’s acclaimed sci-fi phenomenon Stranger Things. This marks the third annual event dedicated to honoring outstanding contributions within the LGBTQ+ entertainment sphere, shining a light on the visionary actors, writers, and creators who have shaped this year’s most impactful narratives. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 29, in Los Angeles.

Jacob Tierney, the writer and director of Heated Rivalry, will be celebrated with the Showrunner Award for his compelling leadership and storytelling. Meanwhile, Noah Schnapp, who portrays Will Byers on Stranger Things, is set to receive the Breakthrough Performance Award. His portrayal in the series’ final season poignantly captures the challenges of coming out as a young adult in the 1980s, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.

Continue reading to discover the full list of this year’s distinguished honorees and their remarkable achievements.

Hannah Einbinder, known for her role as Ava, a queer comedy writer on HBO Max’s Hacks, will be honored with the Performance Award for a Comedy Series. The Critics Choice Association praised her for delivering an authentic and emotionally rich queer perspective that elevates the show’s narrative depth.

Brandon Scott Jones, who embodies Isaac on CBS’s Ghosts, is set to receive the Supporting Performance Award for a Comedy Series. His portrayal offers a heartfelt exploration of self-acceptance and the complexities of living openly within today’s queer community.

In the drama category, Bre-Z’s portrayal of Coop on The CW’s All American earned her the Performance Award for a Drama Series. Her character’s journey from a young lesbian navigating adolescence to a self-assured adult has been lauded for its sincerity and emotional resonance.

The ensemble cast of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy – including Tig Notaro, Karim Diané, Gina Yashere, and Kerrice Brooks – will receive the Ensemble Award. Their performances collectively highlight dynamic queer romantic storylines, enriching the series’ inclusive narrative landscape.

Additional accolades will be presented to industry trailblazers such as Jane Lynch (Groundbreaker Award), Dan Levy (Vanguard Award), Paula Pell (Trailblazer Award), director Dearbhla Walsh (Director Award), and The Boulet Brothers (Reality TV Award), recognizing their significant contributions to LGBTQ+ representation in media.

Joey Berlin, CEO of the Critics Choice Association, emphasized the ongoing importance of LGBTQ+ visibility: “Representation matters now more than ever. We are honored to celebrate and amplify the extraordinary achievements of the LGBTQ+ community in entertainment.”