2025 Critics Choice Awards winners: Demi Moore and Adrien Brody scoop top acting honors as Anora is named Best Picture

Demi Moore and Adrien Brody had twin triumphs for her body-horror film The Substance and his historical epic The Brutalist at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards on Friday.

The evening concluded with a surprise Best Picture win for Anora, which failed to win any other awards before scooping the ultimate prize at the end of the night.

Demi showed she was as vital as ever at the age of 62 with her Best Actress win.

‘This has been such a wild ride,’ she gushed as she took to the stage.

She praised critics for giving her the award, which she said was a ‘healing balm to the very issue the film brings forward.’ 

Demi stars in The Substance as a former Oscar winner and now the host of a popular aerobics TV show who is unceremoniously fired once she turns 50 by a piggish network executive (Dennis Quaid).

Adrien Brody won Best Actor for the historical epic The Brutalist

Anora was the upset winner of Best Picture at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards on Friday, and its surprise win followed triumphs for Demi Moore for her body-horror film The Substance and Adrien Brody for the historical epic The Brutalist 

Anora's director Sean Baker (L) accepted the award with its star Mikey Madison (R) supporting him. He noted that the 'micro-budget' film cost only $6M

Anora’s director Sean Baker (L) accepted the award with its star Mikey Madison (R) supporting him. He noted that the ‘micro-budget’ film cost only $6M

The verité-style comedy Anora stars Mikey Madison as an adult dancer who impetuously marries the son of a Russian oligarch, only to have his handlers go to shocking ends to annul the marriage

The verité-style comedy Anora stars Mikey Madison as an adult dancer who impetuously marries the son of a Russian oligarch, only to have his handlers go to shocking ends to annul the marriage

She learns of the eponymous Substance, which allows her to share the body of a younger woman (Margaret Qualley) to regain her throne, but the concoction has some stomach-churning effects on both of their bodies once they start a tug of war over who will stand in the spotlight.

Adrien cemented his Oscars-frontrunner status after winning Best Actor for The Brutalist, and Zoe Saldaña shocked viewers and awards season observers earlier when she won Best Supporting Actress for her embattled Netflix film Emilia Pérez.

Brody praised critics for making his ‘very small, epic film very visible and accessible to people.’

In The Brutalist, he plays a Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor who butts heads with a wealthy benefactor (Guy Pearce) after emigrating to the US.

The verité-style comedy Anora stars Mikey Madison as an adult dancer who impetuously marries the son of a Russian oligarch, only to have his handlers go to shocking ends to annul the marriage.

Madison and writer, director and editor Sean Baker lost out on earlier awards before their film was ultimately triumphant – beating out frontrunner Wicked, alongside A Complete Unknown, Sing Sing, Emilia Perez, Conclave, Dune Part Two, The Brutalist, Nickel Boys and The Substance.

In his emotional acceptance speech, Baker pointed out that his ‘micro-budget’ film cost only $6 million to make, and he thanked everyone who saw it in theaters after the industry was decimated by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Before Anora’s win, presenter Sacha Baron Cohen joked that one of the Best Picture nominees’ scripts landed on his desk, but he never read it because it ‘sounded a bit boring.’

'This has been such a wild ride,' Demi gushed as she took to the stage

‘This has been such a wild ride,’ Demi gushed as she took to the stage

She said the award was a 'healing balm to the very issue the film brings forward.' She plays an aging star who turns to The Substance to let her share a younger body to regain her A-list status ¿ but there are stomach-churning side effects; seen in a still from The Substance

She said the award was a ‘healing balm to the very issue the film brings forward.’ She plays an aging star who turns to The Substance to let her share a younger body to regain her A-list status — but there are stomach-churning side effects; seen in a still from The Substance

Demi's costar Margaret Qualley held her tight for a hug just after her name was announced

Demi’s costar Margaret Qualley held her tight for a hug just after her name was announced

Before Anora's win, presenter Sacha Baron Cohen joked that one of the Best Picture nominees' scripts landed on his desk, but he never read it because it 'sounded a bit boring.'

Before Anora’s win, presenter Sacha Baron Cohen joked that one of the Best Picture nominees’ scripts landed on his desk, but he never read it because it ‘sounded a bit boring.’

'I'm not gonna name it, because that would be unprofessional and really disrespectful to Adrien Brody,' he continued, which got a laugh out Brody in the audience. He could be seen calling Cohen a 'motherf***er'

‘I’m not gonna name it, because that would be unprofessional and really disrespectful to Adrien Brody,’ he continued, which got a laugh out Brody in the audience. He could be seen calling Cohen a ‘motherf***er’

Cohen set up a bigger shock when he continued the joke. 'And the winner for Best Picture... Adrien Brody is — not you!' he shouted as he announced Anora

Cohen set up a bigger shock when he continued the joke. ‘And the winner for Best Picture… Adrien Brody is — not you!’ he shouted as he announced Anora

Baker and Madison posed with their Best Picture award after the show

Baker and Madison posed with their Best Picture award after the show

Demi caught up with Cynthia Erivo, who competed in the same category as her, and Ariana Grande, who lost the supporting actress award to Zoe Saldaña

Demi caught up with Cynthia Erivo, who competed in the same category as her, and Ariana Grande, who lost the supporting actress award to Zoe Saldaña

Demi also caught up with her costar Margaret's husband, music superproducer and Taylor Swift collaborator Jack Antonoff

Demi also caught up with her costar Margaret’s husband, music superproducer and Taylor Swift collaborator Jack Antonoff

Critics Choice Awards 2025 winners: AT A GLANCE

MOVIES

BEST PICTURE: Anora

BEST ACTOR: Adrien Brody — The Brutalist

BEST ACTRESS: Demi Moore — The Substance

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Kieran Culkin — A Real Pain

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Zoe Saldaña — Emilia Pérez

BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS: Maisy Stella — My Old Ass

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE: Conclave — WINNER

BEST DIRECTOR: Jon M. Chu — Wicked  

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Coralie Fargeat — The Substance  

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: Peter Straughan — Conclave

 BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jarin Blaschke — Nosferatu

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN: Nathan Crowley, Lee Sandales — Wicked  

BEST EDITING: Marco Costa — Challengers  

BEST COSTUME DESIGN: Paul Tazewell — Wicked

BEST HAIR AND MAKEUP: The Substance  

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe, Gerd Nefzer — Dune: Part Two  

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE: The Wild Robot  

BEST COMEDY: A Real Pain and Deadpool & Wolverine (TIE)  

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: Emilia Pérez  

BEST SONG: “El Mal” – Emilia Pérez — Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Camille  

BEST SCORE: Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross — Challengers

 TELEVISION

BEST DRAMA SERIES: Shōgun

BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES: Hiroyuki Sanada — Shōgun

BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES: Kathy Bates — Matlock

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES: Tadanobu Asano — Shōgun  

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES: Moeka Hoshi — Shōgun  

BEST COMEDY SERIES: Hacks  

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES: Adam Brody — Nobody Wants This  

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES: Jean Smart — Hacks  

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES: Michael Urie — Shrinking  

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES: Hannah Einbinder – Hacks  

BEST LIMITED SERIES: Baby Reindeer

BEST MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION: Rebel Ridge

BEST ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION: Colin Farrell — The Penguin  

BEST ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION: Cristin Milioti — The Penguin  

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION: Liev Schreiber — The Perfect Couple  

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION: Jessica Gunning – Baby Reindeer  

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE SERIES: Squid Game  

BEST ANIMATED SERIES: X-Men ’97  

BEST TALK SHOW: John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in L.A.  

BEST COMEDY SPECIAL: Ali Wong: Single Lady

‘I’m not gonna name it, because that would be unprofessional and really disrespectful to Adrien Brody,’ he continued, which got a laugh out Brody in the audience. 

The star, who had just won his acting award, could be seen calling Cohen a ‘motherf***er.’

Cohen set up a bigger shock when he continued the joke.

‘And the winner for Best Picture… Adrien Brody is — not you!’ he shouted as he announced Anora. 

Saldaña’s win was particularly surprising as it comes after the discovery of racist and Islamophobic tweets from Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón threatened to derail the film’s awards hopes.

Jon M. Chu also won Best Director for Wicked, which significantly increased his odds of winning at the Academy Awards. 

Saldaña, 46, was in tears as she delivered a moving speech. She shared thanks for French director Jacques Audiard and the ‘cast and grew’ generally, without breathing Gascón’s name. 

Zoe jokingly referenced criticism she has received in the past, including that she is in ‘too many franchises,’ and that the Avatar and Guardians Of The Galaxy star is ‘too blue.’ 

Adrien Brody cemented his Oscars-frontrunner status after winning Best Actor for The Brutalist

Adrien Brody cemented his Oscars-frontrunner status after winning Best Actor for The Brutalist

Zoe Saldaña, 46, shocked viewers and awards season observers when she won Best Supporting Actress for her embattled Netflix film Emilia Pérez at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards on Friday

Zoe Saldaña, 46, shocked viewers and awards season observers when she won Best Supporting Actress for her embattled Netflix film Emilia Pérez at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards on Friday

She avoided mention her disgraced costar Karla Sofía Gascón, as did the other Emilia Pérez winners

 She avoided mention her disgraced costar Karla Sofía Gascón, as did the other Emilia Pérez winners

Several of the winners thanked firefighters and first responders who battled LA's recent fires. Best Actress nominee Angelina Jolie was seen chatting with some of the emergency personnel who attended the ceremony

Several of the winners thanked firefighters and first responders who battled LA’s recent fires. Best Actress nominee Angelina Jolie was seen chatting with some of the emergency personnel who attended the ceremony

The show got off to a strong start when Conclave earned the first award of the evening for Best Ensemble.

The film’s star, Ralph Fiennes, accepted the award for the film, which depicts the secretive and suspenseful selection of a new pope.

‘We all enjoyed being in our red skirts together,’ Fiennes joked while representing his costars, including Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow.

The win has helped cement the late-breaking Oscars momentum for Fiennes and Conclave. 

The Critics Choice Awards, hosted by Chelsea Handler, are finally taking place at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, after twice being delayed due to the devastating LA fires.

The show was first slated to take place on Sunday, January 12, before being pushed to Sunday, January 26.

But due to the venue’s close proximity to the fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades, ceremony officials decided to push the show to February.

Following Conclave’s win, the show switched over to TV winners. 

The 2025 Critics Choice Awards got off to a strong start on Friday when Conclave earned the first award of the evening for Best Ensemble, with its lead Ralph Fiennes accepting

The 2025 Critics Choice Awards got off to a strong start on Friday when Conclave earned the first award of the evening for Best Ensemble, with its lead Ralph Fiennes accepting

The early win cements the Oscars momentum for Conclave and Fiennes; pictured in a still from the film

The early win cements the Oscars momentum for Conclave and Fiennes; pictured in a still from the film

Hannah Einbinder and Michael Urie were the dual winners in the best supporting actor and actress in a comedy categories, for Hacks and Shrinking, respectively.

The two gave a hilarious acceptance speech in which they began delivering their speeches at the same time, speaking over each other. 

They were followed by the winners in the supporting categories for limited series or movie made for television.

Liev Schreiber won in the men’s category for The Perfect Couple, while Jessica Gunning was awarded for her acclaimed performance in the buzzy series Baby Reindeer.

Shōgun scored two back-to-back wins with supporting actor and supporting actress in a drama series for Tadanobu Asano and Moeka Hoshi.

Hoshi was tearful as she accepted her award after traveling to the US from Japan, though Asano wasn’t able to be at the ceremony.

She shared her thoughts for Los Angeles in the wake of its devastating fires.

‘I was so shocked to see how much this beautiful city has changed because of the fire,’ she said emotionally. ‘My heart goes out to those who have lost their homes and loved ones. Please remember that you are not alone. Even from Japan, I always think of you and remember you. My thoughts are always with you.’ 

Hannah Einbinder and Michael Urie were the dual winners in the best supporting actor and actress in a comedy categories, for Hacks and Shrinking, respectively. They gave hilarious acceptance speeches while initially speaking simultaneously

Hannah Einbinder and Michael Urie were the dual winners in the best supporting actor and actress in a comedy categories, for Hacks and Shrinking, respectively. They gave hilarious acceptance speeches while initially speaking simultaneously

Liev Schreiber won in the men's category for The Perfect Couple, while Jessica Gunning was awarded for her acclaimed performance in the buzzy series Baby Reindeer

Liev Schreiber won in the men’s category for The Perfect Couple, while Jessica Gunning was awarded for her acclaimed performance in the buzzy series Baby Reindeer

Shōgun scored two back-to-back wins with supporting actor and supporting actress in a drama series for Tadanobu Asano and Moeka Hoshi (pictured)

Shōgun scored two back-to-back wins with supporting actor and supporting actress in a drama series for Tadanobu Asano and Moeka Hoshi (pictured)

Hoshi shared her thoughts with LA after its devastating fires

Hoshi shared her thoughts with LA after its devastating fires

The ceremony then changed pace with the best animated feature award, which went to the acclaimed film The Wild Robot. 

Colin Farrell continued to steamroll the competition when he won for Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television for his performance in The Penguin.

Farrell was made unrecognizable by heavy layers of prosthetics to allow him to play the Batman villain, whose name was shortened to Oz Cobb for the series.

He originated this version of the role in the blockbuster film The Batman, which starred Robert Pattinson as the title superhero. 

Farrell showed off his inescapable charm as he joked about again thanking the show’s makeup department ‘for reasons that are beyond me.’

He included a moving tribute to firefighters and first responders around Los Angeles, and he ended by hilariously shouting out for Kathy Bates.

‘Where are you? Where is she? Cool,’ he said as soon as he spied the Oscar winner. ‘I’ll be over there in a minute.’

Colin’s Penguin costar Cristin Milioti road up to the stage on the same wave of momentum for the DC Comics series, which aired on Max, after winning Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television.

Colin Farrell continued to steamroll the competition when he won for Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television for his performance in The Penguin

Colin Farrell continued to steamroll the competition when he won for Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television for his performance in The Penguin

Farrell showed off his inescapable charm as he joked about again thanking the show's makeup department 'for reasons that are beyond me.' Then he called out Kathy Bates so they could party later

Farrell showed off his inescapable charm as he joked about again thanking the show’s makeup department ‘for reasons that are beyond me.’ Then he called out Kathy Bates so they could party later

Colin's Penguin costar Cristin Milioti road up to the stage on the same wave of momentum for the DC Comics series, which aired on Max, after winning Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television

Colin’s Penguin costar Cristin Milioti road up to the stage on the same wave of momentum for the DC Comics series, which aired on Max, after winning Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television

She played Sofia Gigante, the daughter of a mob boss who is drawn into his criminal empire — initially against her will.

Milioti gushed that she had ‘dreamed of playing’ such a role since she was a child.

But The Penguin’s winning streak was extinguished with the next award for Best Limited Series.

It went to Netflix’s hit Baby Reindeer, and Best Actress winner Jessica Gunning returned to the stage to accept.

The next television award went to Adam Brody for Best Actor in a Comedy Series.

He stars in Nobody Wants This as a rabbi who strikes up a relationship with a podcaster (Kristen Bell) who hosts a sex and dating podcast.

Brody included a sweet shoutout to his wife, Leighton Meester. 

Jean Smart followed him up with a win for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her hit HBO Max series Hacks.

The Penguin's winning streak was extinguished with the next award for Best Limited Series. It went to Netflix's hit Baby Reindeer, and Best Actress winner Jessica Gunning returned to the stage to accept

The Penguin’s winning streak was extinguished with the next award for Best Limited Series. It went to Netflix’s hit Baby Reindeer, and Best Actress winner Jessica Gunning returned to the stage to accept

The next television award went to Adam Brody for Best Actor in a Comedy Series. He stars in Nobody Wants This as a rabbi who strikes up a relationship with a podcaster (Kristen Bell) who hosts a sex and dating podcast

The next television award went to Adam Brody for Best Actor in a Comedy Series. He stars in Nobody Wants This as a rabbi who strikes up a relationship with a podcaster (Kristen Bell) who hosts a sex and dating podcast

Brody included a sweet shoutout to his wife, Leighton Meester

Brody included a sweet shoutout to his wife, Leighton Meester

Jean Smart was busy filming and couldn't accept her Best Actress in a Comedy Series Award, and co-creator Paul W. Downs accepted when the show won Best Comedy Series immediately afterward

Jean Smart was busy filming and couldn’t accept her Best Actress in a Comedy Series Award, and co-creator Paul W. Downs accepted when the show won Best Comedy Series immediately afterward

However, she wasn’t able to accept her award in person, as she was filming at the moment.

Hacks was back again immediately afterward when it won Best Comedy Series. 

Co-creator and supporting actor Paul W. Downs stepped up to accept the award, while fellow stars Mark Indelicato, Hannah Einbinder and Megan Stalter joined him for support.

He joked that the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award–winning playwright and screenwriter Tony Kushner had done a pass on his acceptance speech, only for his phone to die. 

The ceremony jumped back to the film awards when Lupita Nyong’o announced the award for Best Supporting Actor.

Kieran Culkin managed to come out on top of the competitive crowd for his role in A Real Pain.

He starred opposite Jesse Eisenberg, who also wrote and directed the film, as Eisenberg’s mercurial brother as they took a tour of sites of Nazi atrocities in Poland while trying to honor their late grandmother.

However, Culkin wasn’t on hand to accept, as Nyong’o said he was busy in rehearsals on Broadway. 

Kieran Culkin won the competitive Best Supporting Actor in a feature award, but he was away rehearsing on Broadway, so presenter Lupita Nyong'o accepted his award

Kieran Culkin won the competitive Best Supporting Actor in a feature award, but he was away rehearsing on Broadway, so presenter Lupita Nyong’o accepted his award

Hiroyuki Sanada continued Sh¿gun's incredible winning streak when his name was announced for Best Actor in a Drama Series. The Japanese star was visibly moved and shaken up as he delivered his acceptance speech

Hiroyuki Sanada continued Shōgun’s incredible winning streak when his name was announced for Best Actor in a Drama Series. The Japanese star was visibly moved and shaken up as he delivered his acceptance speech

The Best Actress in a Drama Series winner was the legendary Kathy Bates, who won for her gender-swapped remake of Matlock. She was visibly emotional as she accepted her award

The Best Actress in a Drama Series winner was the legendary Kathy Bates, who won for her gender-swapped remake of Matlock. She was visibly emotional as she accepted her award

Hiroyuki Sanada continued Shōgun’s incredible winning streak when his name was announced for Best Actor in a Drama Series.

The Japanese star, who has been a fixture in international and Hollywood productions for decades, was visibly moved and shaken up as he delivered his acceptance speech. 

The Best Actress in a Drama Series winner was the legendary Kathy Bates, who won for her gender-swapped remake of Matlock.

Shōgun was back for one of the biggest awards of the year when it won Best Drama Series.

Co-creator Justin Marks delivered the show’s acceptance speech, and he was flanked by the creative team and Critics Choice Award winners Moeka Hoshi and Hiroyuki Sanada.

Marks included special praise for the late James Clavell, who wrote the best-selling novel of the same name that the original miniseries and the current series were based on.

Emilia Pérez delivered another surprising win despite its ongoing controversy thanks to star Karla Sofía Gascón’s offensive tweets when it won the Best Foreign Language Film award.

Notably, ballots for the ceremony were apparently due weeks before the offensive posts were widely reported, so that knowledge may still affect the Netflix film’s chances for the Academy Awards, as voting has not yet concluded for that show.

Sh¿gun was back for one of the biggest awards of the year when it won Best Drama Series. Co-creator Justin Marks delivered the show's acceptance speech

Shōgun was back for one of the biggest awards of the year when it won Best Drama Series. Co-creator Justin Marks delivered the show’s acceptance speech

Emilia Pérez delivered another surprising win despite its ongoing controversy thanks to star Karla Sofía Gascón's offensive tweets when it won the Best Foreign Language Film award, which was accepted by director Jacques Audiard (pictured)

Emilia Pérez delivered another surprising win despite its ongoing controversy thanks to star Karla Sofía Gascón’s offensive tweets when it won the Best Foreign Language Film award, which was accepted by director Jacques Audiard (pictured)

'It's a magnificent day. I received a prize from Jackie Chan,' he joked at the start, referencing the legendary Hong Kong star who presented the award

‘It’s a magnificent day. I received a prize from Jackie Chan,’ he joked at the start, referencing the legendary Hong Kong star who presented the award

Director Jacques Audiard delivered the film’s acceptance speech in French, his native tongue, with an interpreter reading a pre-translated version of his speech, which he said was only one of several for different awards.

‘It’s a magnificent day. I received a prize from Jackie Chan,’ he joked at the start, referencing the legendary Hong Kong star who presented the award. 

Like Saldaña, Audiard thanked the cast and crew but didn’t specifically mention Gascón.

The next winner was also French — The Substance writer and director Coralie Fargeat, who won for Best Original Screenplay for her satirical body-horror film, which stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid, all of whom she saluted.

‘Demi, you are the heart of this film. It’s been a vision,’ she said, giving the iconic star an extra shoutout. ‘Thank you for bringing it to life in such a powerful and bold way.’

The complementary Adapted Screenplay award went to Peter Straughan for Conclave.

He reiterated a line from the film, which was likely a reference to current political events.

‘We’re stronger together, and to hell with the man who’s trying to keep us apart,’ he concluded to cheers and applause from the audience. 

The next winner was also French ¿ The Substance writer and director Coralie Fargeat, who won for Best Original Screenplay for her satirical body-horror film

The next winner was also French — The Substance writer and director Coralie Fargeat, who won for Best Original Screenplay for her satirical body-horror film

The Adapted Screenplay award went to Peter Straughan for Conclave. He reiterated a line from the film, likely a reference to current political events. 'We're stronger together, and to hell with the man who's trying to keep us apart,' he concluded to cheers and applause

The Adapted Screenplay award went to Peter Straughan for Conclave. He reiterated a line from the film, likely a reference to current political events. ‘We’re stronger together, and to hell with the man who’s trying to keep us apart,’ he concluded to cheers and applause

Jesse Eisenberg's film A Real Pain was one of the winners of the Best Comedy film award. It tied with Deadpool & Wolverine

Jesse Eisenberg’s film A Real Pain was one of the winners of the Best Comedy film award. It tied with Deadpool & Wolverine

Emilia Pérez notched another win for Best Song, which went to its disgraced star Karla Sofía Gascón, as well as Saldaña and the French singer Camille.

Only Camile accepted, as Netflix has stopped paying for Gascón’s travel and accommodations for the awards season.

The film’s director, Audiard, also jumped in to add to the speech just as the wrap-up music started playing. 

Jon M. Chu was a surprise winner in the Best Director category for feature films, as his work on Wicked wasn’t particularly beloved by critics.

Reviews for the film, though they were largely positive, often complained about his underwhelming staging of the film’s musical numbers.

Viewers and critics also took him to task for Wicked’s often desaturated colors, despite its connection to the eternally vibrant Wizard Of Oz.

‘I’m going to win that Oscar!’ he joked as soon as he arrived on stage, referencing presenter Orlando Bloom reminding audience members that the winner of the Critics Choice Award for Best Director had gone on to win the Oscar in the same category for the past seven years.

Despite leading in the nominations, Wicked was notably shut out in most categories, including with acting nominations for Ariana Grande, 31, and Cynthia Erivo, 38. 

Jon M. Chu was a surprise winner for Best Director, as his work on Wicked wasn't particularly beloved by critics. Reviews for the film, though largely positive, often complained about his underwhelming staging of musical numbers and Wicked's desaturated colors

Jon M. Chu was a surprise winner for Best Director, as his work on Wicked wasn’t particularly beloved by critics. Reviews for the film, though largely positive, often complained about his underwhelming staging of musical numbers and Wicked’s desaturated colors

'I'm going to win that Oscar!' he joked as soon as he arrived on stage, referencing presenter Orlando Bloom reminding audience members that the winner of the Critics Choice Award for Best Director had gone on to win the Oscar in the same category for the past seven years

‘I’m going to win that Oscar!’ he joked as soon as he arrived on stage, referencing presenter Orlando Bloom reminding audience members that the winner of the Critics Choice Award for Best Director had gone on to win the Oscar in the same category for the past seven years

Wicked led the way with the most Critics Choice Awards 2025 nominations, including major nods for Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The musical earned 11 tying the film Conclave for the most

Wicked led the way with the most Critics Choice Awards 2025 nominations, including major nods for Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The musical earned 11 tying the film Conclave for the most

Ariana Grande lost out on her Best Supporting Actress nomination. She was seen at her table with her Wicked costar — and boyfriend — Ethan Slater

Ariana Grande lost out on her Best Supporting Actress nomination. She was seen at her table with her Wicked costar — and boyfriend — Ethan Slater

Despite their losses, Cynthia and Ariana were as united as ever

Despite their losses, Cynthia and Ariana were as united as ever

Conclave tied with Wicked for most nominations including a Best Actor nod for Ralph Fiennes. He ended up representing the film when it won Best Acting Ensemble

Conclave tied with Wicked for most nominations including a Best Actor nod for Ralph Fiennes. He ended up representing the film when it won Best Acting Ensemble

Emilia Pérez actress Karla Sofía Gascón, who has been slammed for resurfaced 'racist' social media posts, did not attend with her Emilia Pérez castmates and was never mentioned in their acceptance speeches - seen with Zoe Saldaña in the film

Emilia Pérez actress Karla Sofía Gascón, who has been slammed for resurfaced ‘racist’ social media posts, did not attend with her Emilia Pérez castmates and was never mentioned in their acceptance speeches – seen with Zoe Saldaña in the film

FX series Shōgun led the way for TV with six nominations. It was one of the biggest winners, taking home four awards, including for Best Actor and both supporting awards

FX series Shōgun led the way for TV with six nominations. It was one of the biggest winners, taking home four awards, including for Best Actor and both supporting awards

Wicked is centered around Elphaba (Erivo), a misunderstood young woman because of her green skin, and Glinda (Grande), a popular girl. The two become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz, but after an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads. 

Historically, the awards are considered the most accurate predictor of Academy Award nominations.

Another major change for the ceremony is there will no longer be a Live from E!: Critics Choice Awards two-hour red carpet special ahead of the telecast.

The Critics Choice Awards are presented by the American–Canadian Critics Choice Association, which is the largest critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 600 media critics and entertainment journalists. 

It was established in 2019 with the formal merger of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association, recognizing the intersection between film, television, and streaming content.

Critics Choice Awards 2025 winners

MOVIES

BEST PICTURE

A Complete Unknown

Anora — WINNER

The Brutalist

Conclave

Dune: Part Two

Emilia Pérez

Nickel Boys

Sing Sing

The Substance

Wicked

Wicked leads the way with 11 nominations

Wicked leads the way with 11 nominations

 

BEST ACTOR

Adrien Brody – The Brutalist — WINNER

Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown

Daniel Craig – Queer

Colman Domingo – Sing Sing

Ralph Fiennes – Conclave

Hugh Grant – Heretic

Ralph Fiennes is nominated in the Best Actor category for his work in Conclave, which also earned 11 nods

Ralph Fiennes is nominated in the Best Actor category for his work in Conclave, which also earned 11 nods

 

BEST ACTRESS

Cynthia Erivo – Wicked

Karla Sofía Gascón – Emilia Pérez

Marianne Jean-Baptiste – Hard Truths

Angelina Jolie – Maria

Mikey Madison – Anora

Demi Moore – The Substance — WINNER

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Yura Borisov – Anora

Kieran Culkin – A Real Pain — WINNER

Clarence Maclin – Sing Sing

Edward Norton – A Complete Unknown

Guy Pearce – The Brutalist

Denzel Washington – Gladiator II

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Danielle Deadwyler – The Piano Lesson

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor – Nickel Boys

Ariana Grande – Wicked

Margaret Qualley – The Substance

Isabella Rossellini – Conclave

Zoe Saldaña – Emilia Pérez — WINNER

Ariana Grande earned a Best Supporting Actress nod for her role as Glinda in Wicked

Ariana Grande earned a Best Supporting Actress nod for her role as Glinda in Wicked

 

BEST YOUNG ACTOR / ACTRESS

Alyla Browne – Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Elliott Heffernan – Blitz

Maisy Stella – My Old Ass — WINNER

Izaac Wang – Didi

Alisha Weir – Abigail

Zoe Ziegler – Janet Planet

 

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE

Anora

Conclave — WINNER

Emilia Pérez

Saturday Night

Sing Sing

Wicked

 

BEST DIRECTOR

Jacques Audiard – Emilia Pérez

Sean Baker – Anora

Edward Berger – Conclave

Brady Corbet – The Brutalist

Jon M. Chu – Wicked — WINNER

Coralie Fargeat – The Substance

RaMell Ross – Nickel Boys

Denis Villeneuve – Dune: Part Two

 

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Sean Baker – Anora

Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum, Alex David – September 5

Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold – The Brutalist

Jesse Eisenberg – A Real Pain

Coralie Fargeat – The Substance — WINNER

Justin Kuritzkes – Challengers

 

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Jacques Audiard – Emilia Pérez

Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox – Wicked

Greg Kwedar, Clint Bentley – Sing Sing

RaMell Ross & Joslyn Barnes – Nickel Boys

Peter Straughan – Conclave — WINNER

Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts – Dune: Part Two

 

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Jarin Blaschke – Nosferatu — WINNER

Alice Brooks – Wicked

Lol Crawley – The Brutalist

Stéphane Fontaine – Conclave

Greig Fraser – Dune: Part Two

Jomo Fray – Nickel Boys

Dune: Part Two earned 10 nominations, including a Best Cinematography nod for Greig Fraser

Dune: Part Two earned 10 nominations, including a Best Cinematography nod for Greig Fraser

 

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

Judy Becker, Patricia Cuccia – The Brutalist

Nathan Crowley, Lee Sandales – Wicked — WINNER

Suzie Davies – Conclave

Craig Lathrop – Nosferatu

Arthur Max, Jille Azis, Elli Griff – Gladiator II

Patrice Vermette, Shane Vieau – Dune: Part Two

 

BEST EDITING

Sean Baker – Anora

Marco Costa – Challengers — WINNER

Nick Emerson – Conclave

David Jancso – The Brutalist

Joe Walker – Dune: Part Two

Hansjörg Weißbrich – September 5

 

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

Lisy Christl – Conclave

Linda Muir – Nosferatu

Massimo Cantini Parrini – Maria

Paul Tazewell – Wicked — WINNER

Jacqueline West – Dune: Part Two

Janty Yates, Dave Crossman – Gladiator II

 

BEST HAIR AND MAKEUP

Christine Blundell, Lesa Warrener, Neal Scanlan – Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Hair and Makeup Team – Dune: Part Two

Hair and Makeup Team – The Substance — WINNER

Frances Hannon, Sarah Nuth, Laura Blount – Wicked

Traci Loader, Suzanne Stokes-Munton, David White – Nosferatu

Mike Marino, Sarah Graalman, Aaron Saucier – A Different Man

 

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

Mark Bakowski, Pietro Ponti, Nikki Penny, Neil Corbould – Gladiator II

Pablo Helman, Jonathan Fawkner, Paul Corbould, David Shirk – Wicked

Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe, Gerd Nefzer – Dune: Part Two — WINNER

Luke Millar, David Clayton, Keith Herft, Peter Stubbs – Better Man

Visual Effects Team – The Substance

Erik Winquist, Stephen Unterfranz, Paul Story, Rodney Burke – Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

 

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

Flow

Inside Out 2

Memoir of a Snail

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

The Wild Robot — WINNER

 

BEST COMEDY

A Real Pain — WINNER (TIE)

Deadpool & Wolverine — WINNER (TIE)

Hit Man

My Old Ass

Saturday Night

Thelma

Deadpool & Wolverine earned a Best Comedy nod

Deadpool & Wolverine earned a Best Comedy nod

 

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

All We Imagine as Light

Emilia Pérez — WINNER

Flow

I’m Still Here

Kneecap

The Seed of the Sacred Fig

 

BEST SONG

“Beautiful That Way” – The Last Showgirl – Miley Cyrus

“Compress / Repress” – Challengers – Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross

“El Mal” – Emilia Pérez – Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Camille — WINNER

“Harper and Will Go West” – Will & Harper – Kristen Wiig

“Kiss the Sky” – The Wild Robot – Maren Morris

“Mi Camino” – Emilia Pérez – Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez earned a nod in the Best Song category for Mi Camino from Emilia Pérez

Selena Gomez earned a nod in the Best Song category for Mi Camino from Emilia Pérez

 

BEST SCORE

Volker Bertelmann – Conclave

Daniel Blumberg – The Brutalist

Kris Bowers – The Wild Robot

Clément Ducol & Camille – Emilia Pérez

Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross – Challengers — WINNER

Hans Zimmer – Dune: Part Two

 TELEVISION

BEST DRAMA SERIES

The Day of the Jackal (Peacock)

The Diplomat (Netflix)

Evil (Paramount+)

Industry (HBO | Max)

Interview with the Vampire (AMC)

The Old Man (FX)

Shōgun (FX / Hulu) — WINNER

Slow Horses (Apple TV+)

FX series Shōgun leads the way with six nominations, including top honor Best Drama Series

FX series Shōgun leads the way with six nominations, including top honor Best Drama Series

BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Jeff Bridges – The Old Man (FX)

Ncuti Gatwa – Doctor Who (Disney+)

Eddie Redmayne – The Day of the Jackal (Peacock) 

Hiroyuki Sanada – Shōgun (FX / Hulu) — WINNER

Rufus Sewell – The Diplomat (Netflix)

Antony Starr – The Boys (Prime Video) 

BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Caitriona Balfe – Outlander (Starz)

Kathy Bates – Matlock (CBS) — WINNER

Shanola Hampton – Found (NBC)

Keira Knightley – Black Doves (Netflix) 

Keri Russell – The Diplomat (Netflix)

Anna Sawai – Shōgun (FX / Hulu) 

Anna Sawai was recognized in the Best Actress in a Drama Series category for her work in Shogun

Anna Sawai was recognized in the Best Actress in a Drama Series category for her work in Shogun

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Tadanobu Asano – Shōgun (FX / Hulu) — WINNER

Michael Emerson – Evil (Paramount+)

Mark-Paul Gosselaar – Found (NBC)

Takehiro Hira – Shōgun (FX / Hulu)

John Lithgow – The Old Man (FX)

Sam Reid – Interview with the Vampire (AMC)

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Moeka Hoshi – Shōgun (FX / Hulu) — WINNER

Allison Janney – The Diplomat (Netflix)

Nicole Kidman – Special Ops: Lioness (Paramount+)

Skye P. Marshall – Matlock (CBS)

Anna Sawai – Pachinko (Apple TV+)

Fiona Shaw – Bad Sisters (Apple TV+)

 

BEST COMEDY SERIES

Abbott Elementary (ABC)

English Teacher (FX)

Hacks (HBO | Max) — WINNER

Nobody Wants This (Netflix)

Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)

Somebody Somewhere (HBO | Max)

St. Denis Medical (NBC)

What We Do in the Shadows (FX)

Abbott Elementary is nominated for Best Comedy Series

Abbott Elementary is nominated for Best Comedy Series

 

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Brian Jordan Alvarez – English Teacher (FX)

Adam Brody – Nobody Wants This (Netflix) — WINNER

David Alan Grier – St. Denis Medical (NBC)

Steve Martin – Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)

Kayvan Novak – What We Do in the Shadows (FX)

Martin Short – Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)

 

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Kristen Bell – Nobody Wants This (Netflix)

Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary (ABC)

Natasia Demetriou – What We Do in the Shadows (FX)

Bridget Everett – Somebody Somewhere (HBO | Max)

Jean Smart – Hacks (HBO | Max) — WINNER

Kristen Wiig – Palm Royale (Apple TV+)

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Paul W. Downs – Hacks (HBO | Max)

Asher Grodman – Ghosts (CBS)

Harvey Guillén – What We Do in the Shadows (FX)

Brandon Scott Jones – Ghosts (CBS)

Michael Urie – Shrinking (Apple TV+) — WINNER

Tyler James Williams – Abbott Elementary (ABC)

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Liza Colón-Zayas – The Bear (FX / Hulu)

Hannah Einbinder – Hacks (HBO | Max) — WINNER

Janelle James – Abbott Elementary (ABC)

Stephanie Koenig – English Teacher (FX)

Patti LuPone – Agatha All Along (Disney+)

Annie Potts – Young Sheldon (CBS)

 

BEST LIMITED SERIES

Baby Reindeer (Netflix) — WINNER

Disclaimer (Apple TV+)

Masters of the Air (Apple TV+)

Mr Bates vs the Post Office (PBS)

The Penguin (HBO | Max)

Ripley (Netflix)

True Detective: Night Country (HBO | Max)

We Were the Lucky Ones (Hulu)

Baby Reindeer is up for Best Limited Series

Baby Reindeer is up for Best Limited Series

 

BEST MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

The Great Lillian Hall (HBO | Max)

It’s What’s Inside (Netflix)

Música (Prime Video)

Out of My Mind (Disney+)

Rebel Ridge (Netflix) — WINNER

V/H/S/Beyond (Shudder)

 

BEST ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Colin Farrell – The Penguin (HBO | Max) — WINNER

Richard Gadd – Baby Reindeer (Netflix)

Tom Hollander – FEUD: Capote vs. The Swans (FX)

Kevin Kline – Disclaimer (Apple TV+)

Ewan McGregor – A Gentleman in Moscow (Paramount+)

Andrew Scott – Ripley (Netflix)

 

BEST ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Cate Blanchett – Disclaimer (Apple TV+)

Jodie Foster – True Detective: Night Country (HBO | Max)

Jessica Lange – The Great Lillian Hall (HBO | Max)

Cristin Milioti – The Penguin (HBO | Max) — WINNER

Phoebe-Rae Taylor – Out of My Mind (Disney+)

Naomi Watts – FEUD: Capote vs. The Swans (FX)

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Robert Downey Jr. – The Sympathizer (HBO | Max)

Hugh Grant – The Regime (HBO | Max)

Ron Cephas Jones – Genius: MLK/X (National Geographic)

Logan Lerman – We Were the Lucky Ones (Hulu)

Liev Schreiber – The Perfect Couple (Netflix) — WINNER

Treat Williams – FEUD: Capote vs. The Swans (FX)

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Dakota Fanning – Ripley (Netflix)

Leila George – Disclaimer (Apple TV+)

Betty Gilpin – Three Women (Starz)

Jessica Gunning – Baby Reindeer (Netflix) — WINNER

Deirdre O’Connell – The Penguin (HBO | Max)

Kali Reis – True Detective: Night Country (HBO | Max)

Jessica Gunning is up for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television for Baby Reindeer

Jessica Gunning is up for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television for Baby Reindeer

 

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE SERIES

Acapulco (Apple TV+)

Citadel: Honey Bunny (Prime Video)

La Máquina (Hulu)

The Law According to Lidia Poët (Netflix)

My Brilliant Friend (HBO | Max)

Pachinko (Apple TV+)

Senna (Netflix)

Squid Game (Netflix) — WINNER

 

BEST ANIMATED SERIES

Batman: Caped Crusader (Prime Video)

Bluey (Disney+)

Bob’s Burgers (Fox)

Invincible (Prime Video)

The Simpsons (Fox)

X-Men ’97 (Disney+) — WINNER

 

BEST TALK SHOW

Hot Ones (YouTube)

The Daily Show (Comedy Central)

The Graham Norton Show (BBC America)

John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in L.A. (Netflix) — WINNER

The Kelly Clarkson Show (NBC/Syndicated)

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)

 

BEST COMEDY SPECIAL

Ali Wong: Single Lady (Netflix) — WINNER

Jim Gaffigan: The Skinny (Hulu)

Kevin James: Irregardless (Prime Video)

Nikki Glaser: Someday You’ll Die (HBO | Max)

Rachel Bloom: Death, Let Me Do My Special (Netflix)

Ramy Youssef: More Feelings (HBO | Max)

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