Jean Smart delivered a memorable acceptance speech at the 2026 Awards, where she defended critics and expressed gratitude for the recognition her series, Hacks, received. During her speech, she highlighted the role of critics in the artistic community.
Jean Smart’s Acceptance Speech Highlights
Smart referenced a well-known critic who emphasized that critics’ primary responsibility is to their audience and not necessarily to the emotional well-being of artists. She articulated that honest critique is essential for the integrity of the art form.
Gratitude to the Critics Association
Jean thanked the Critics Association for their recognition of her show, stating, “Thank you for your appreciation of our little show, Hacks.” Her acknowledgment underlined the importance of critics in celebrating artistic contributions.
Camaraderie Among Nominees
Smart also recognized her fellow nominees in the Best Actress category:
- Kristen Bell for Nobody Wants This
- Natasha Lyonne for Poker Face
- Rose McIver for Ghosts
- Edi Patterson for The Righteous Gemstones
- Carrie Preston for Elsbeth
She praised their performances, calling them “brilliant, beyond brilliant.”
Notable Nominations at the Critics Choice Awards
Hacks was nominated for Best Comedy Series, competing against several shows:
- Nobody Wants This
- Abbott Elementary
- Elsbeth
- Ghosts
- The Studio
- Only Murders in the Building
- The Righteous Gemstones
In contrast, the film nominees for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress were selected from the entire pool of movies released in 2025.
Discussion on Nominations
This year, some fans expressed disappointment over Cynthia Erivo’s exclusion from the nominations for her role in Wicked: For Good. In contrast, Ariana Grande received a nomination for her supporting role, joining fellow nominees:
- Elle Fanning
- Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas
- Amy Madigan
- Wunmi Mosaku
- Teyana Taylor
Despite the contentious opinions among fans, the nominations highlight a diverse array of talent showcased across different performances.
