Warner Bros. and DC's "Superman" dominated the 2026 Critics Choice Super Awards nominations, securing six nods including Best Superhero Movie and three acting nominations for its leads David Corenswet, Edi Gathegi, and Nicholas Hoult. The film's sweep reflects growing momentum in the superhero space as the genre continues to attract major talent and industry recognition.
Prime Video's "The Boys," which concluded its run this year, matched "Superman" with six nominations of its own, cementing the series' status as one of prestige television's most decorated superhero properties. The Amazon series has consistently challenged traditional superhero narratives, and the nomination haul signals the Critics Choice Association's appetite for both earnest blockbuster heroics and subversive takes on the genre.
The dual dominance of "Superman" and "The Boys" at these awards reflects a broader industry shift. Where superhero content once occupied a niche corner of the entertainment landscape, these properties now command the same critical and cultural attention as prestige dramas. "Superman," directed by James Gunn in his first major studio venture since leaving Marvel, represents Warner Bros.' attempt to rebuild its DC slate with A-list filmmaking talent. The casting of relative newcomers like Corenswet alongside established actors like Hoult signals confidence in the material's quality.
"The Boys," meanwhile, has spent five seasons deconstructing superhero mythology. Its nominations suggest critics value its satirical edge and willingness to interrogate power structures within the genre itself. The show's conclusion this year marks a significant moment for Peak TV, as one of streaming's most consistently acclaimed superhero series reaches its end.
The Critics Choice Super Awards, a specialized ceremony celebrating superhero and action entertainment, has become an increasingly important bellwether for which properties studios and streamers believe deserve prestige-level recognition. That both "Superman" and "The Boys" lead the pack suggests the industry consensus has shifted decisively toward superhero content worthy of serious critical consideration.