Critics Choice 2026 nominations: Top forecast accuracy from Gold Derby experts, editors, and users

Gold Derby user Josh Stanford achieved an impressive 93.8% accuracy in predicting the 2026 Critics Choice Awards nominations announced Friday. Stanford tied with users Mugo, AKlay, and JacusDobraMorda for the lead, but secured the highest point total of 25,934 by strategically using two 500-point Super Bets.

More than 1,600 participants worldwide submitted their picks across 10 award categories. Stanford successfully predicted 60 out of 63 nomination slots, including unexpected choices such as Jay Kelly for Best Picture, Ethan Hawke for Best Actor for Blue Moon, and Jacob Elordi for Best Supporting Actor for Frankenstein.

Participants can compare their predictions through Gold Derbys leaderboard. Signed-in users can access their scores by navigating to the User menu at the top right, selecting view profile, and then checking award show scores.

Top Gold Derby Editors Predictions

Among Gold Derby editors, Debra Birnbaum led with 87.5% accuracy. Matt Noble followed at 85.9%, with Denton Davidson and Marcus James Dixon at 82.8%. Charles Bright achieved 81.25%, while Ethan Alter and Chris Beachum both scored 79.7%. Kevin P. Sullivan had 78.1%, and Rob Licuria and Mia McNiece each reached 76.6%.

Expert Predictions

In addition to editors, 18 industry experts submitted nominations predictions. Cole Jaeger (The Oscar Expert) and Tariq Khan (KSDK) tied for the highest expert score at 90.6%. Joyce Eng (Entertainment Weekly) followed with 89.1%, closely behind Birnbaum. A three-way tie at 87.5% occurred among Mark Johnson (Awards Watch), Wilson Morales (BlackFilmandTV), and Matt Neglia (Next Best Picture).

Other top experts included Susan King at 85.9%, Christopher Rosen at 84.4%, and a three-way tie of David Canfield, Bill Desowitz, and Clayton Davis at 82.8%. Additional scores: Nikki Novak 81.25%, Anne Thompson 79.7%, Jacqueline Coley, Carla Renata, and Jazz Tangcay 78.1%, Keith Simanton 76.6%, and Thelma Adams 57.8%.

Author: Gavin Porter