Sean Baker, Demi Moore, Adrien Brody and Jon M. Chu. Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association
The 2025 Critics Choice Awards celebrated the best in film and television, with Anora taking home the coveted Best Picture award. The event, hosted by Chelsea Handler at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar, recognized several standout performances and productions. Emilia Pérez, Wicked, and The Substance each claimed three awards, marking a successful night for these films.
Mikey Madison. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association
Major Wins in Film
Adrien Brody received the Best Actor award for his performance in The Brutalist, while Demi Moore secured Best Actress for The Substance. Emilia Pérez star Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress, and Kieran Culkin of A Real Pain took Best Supporting Actor, though he was not present at the event.
Despite recent controversy surrounding Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón, the film earned accolades for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Song in addition to Saldaña’s win. Voting for the awards had concluded before Gascón’s past social media posts resurfaced, but the mood remained subdued as the Netflix musical secured its victories.
A surprising moment of the evening came when Jon M. Chu won Best Director for Wicked. The filmmaker, who was left out of the Oscars’ Best Director category, received loud applause as he accepted the award. Wicked also won for Best Production Design and Best Costume Design.
Meanwhile, The Substance added two more trophies to Moore’s acting win, claiming Best Original Screenplay and Best Hair & Makeup. Conclave won Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Acting Ensemble. Notably, Challengers and A Real Pain each secured two awards, with A Real Pain tying with Deadpool & Wolverine for Best Comedy.
Television Triumphs
In the television segment, Shogun led with four wins, including Best Drama Series. Hacks followed closely, securing three awards, including Best Comedy Series. Baby Reindeer took home the award for Best Limited Series.
The Critics Choice Association presented the first three supporting TV awards together. Shrinking's Michael Urie and Hacks' Hannah Einbinder accepted their awards simultaneously, delivering a joint statement supporting the trans community. Urie shared a personal message about the importance of family support, while Einbinder used her speech to raise awareness about climate change, criticizing the fossil fuel industry for its role in the crisis.
Zoe Saldaña. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association
A Night of Celebration and Awareness
Chelsea Handler opened the ceremony by addressing the recent Los Angeles wildfires, which claimed 29 lives and destroyed over 16,000 structures. She thanked first responders for their bravery, earning a standing ovation. Throughout the evening, a QR code on screen encouraged viewers to donate to relief efforts. Several winners, including Colin Farrell, Kathy Bates, and Shogun's Hiroyuki Sanada, also paid tribute to the firefighters in their acceptance speeches.
Handler’s monologue took a political turn, referencing national concerns and joking about the ongoing legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. She also highlighted nominees, making lighthearted remarks about Anora, Wicked, and Babygirl.
The ceremony aired on E!, marking its transition from The CW. Originally set for January 14, the event was postponed twice due to the wildfires, ultimately taking place on February 7.
With fierce competition among nominees, the 2025 Critics Choice Awards proved to be an evening of recognition, social awareness, and memorable moments.
