“Anora” Wins Best Picture at 2025 Critics Choice Awards
The 2025 Critics Choice Awards delivered glitz, drama, and a few surprises. Taking the top prize, Anora won Best Picture, while Emilia Pérez, Wicked, and The Substance each claimed three trophies.
Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) and Demi Moore (The Substance) took home Best Actor and Actress, respectively. Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez) and Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) won in the supporting categories, though Culkin was notably absent.
One of the night’s biggest shocks? Wicked director Jon M. Chu snagged Best Director. This was an unexpected win after being snubbed by the Oscars. His reaction? A bold “I’m gonna win that Oscar.” Wicked also triumphed in production and costume design.
“Substance” At Critics Choice Awards
Meanwhile, The Substance scooped up Best Original Screenplay and Best Hair & Makeup. Also, Conclave won Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Acting Ensemble. The night also saw A Real Pain tie with Deadpool & Wolverine for Best Comedy.
On the TV side, Shogun reigned with four awards, including Best Drama Series. Hacks followed closely with three, including Best Comedy Series, while Baby Reindeer secured Best Limited Series.
Chelsea Handler hosted the Critics Choice Awards, seamlessly blending humor with heartfelt tributes to first responders battling the recent L.A. wildfires. She earned a standing ovation for her gratitude and encouraged donations throughout the show.
Of course, she didn’t hold back on the night’s hot topics. Handler dubbed herself the “DEI host” and quipped about Hollywood, politics, and even the unexpected legal drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.
Critics Choice Awards also turned political, with winners like Hannah Einbinder (Hacks) and Michael Urie (Shrinking) using their platform to support the trans community. Climate change and Hollywood’s need to invest more in L.A. productions also took center stage.
Originally set for January, the ceremony was postponed twice due to the wildfires. When it finally aired on E!, Handler took a nostalgic jab at her old network, joking about her Chelsea Lately days: “Look how far we’ve come.” Indeed, the night was a mix of celebration, activism, and, of course, Hollywood drama.
