The 29th annual Critics Choice Awards, a night celebrating cinematic and television excellence, took place at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica. The evening was marked by memorable wins, powerful speeches, and a celebration of diversity in the entertainment industry.
“Oppenheimer,” “The Holdovers,” and “Barbie” emerged as big winners, with “Succession,” “Beef,” and “The Bear” also claiming significant accolades. Chelsea Handler, hosting for the second consecutive year, kicked off the night with a humorous and insightful monologue, touching on the remarkable achievements of women in the industry this past year.
Handler’s tribute to Oprah Winfrey, present to support “The Color Purple,” and her playful banter about the industry’s most talked-about films and shows set the tone for an evening of recognition and celebration. Particularly notable were her comments on “Beef,” “Barbie,” and the year’s fascination with Pedro Pascal.
“Oppenheimer” dominated the awards, winning Best Picture, Best Ensemble, Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr., and Best Director for Christopher Nolan. Downey Jr.’s speech was a highlight, where he humorously referenced past criticisms of his work. The film also excelled in technical categories, securing awards for cinematography, editing, visual effects, and score.
Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” was another star of the night, winning Best Comedy. Although initially announced during a commercial break, Handler later rectified the oversight by welcoming Margot Robbie and Gerwig to the stage. Their speeches emphasized the joy and laughter the film brought to audiences worldwide.
In a night celebrating acting prowess, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Paul Giamatti shone brightly for their performances in “The Holdovers,” sweeping awards at both the Critics Choice and Golden Globes. Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook from “Succession” took home awards for their roles, while “The Bear” claimed Best Comedy Series, with its cast winning several acting awards.
A poignant moment came when Jonathan Bailey, winning Best Supporting Actor for “Fellow Travelers,” dedicated his award to the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledging the series as a vital truth for many. Meryl Streep and Emma Stone were also recognized for their performances, although Streep was not present to accept her award.
The SeeHer Award, presented to America Ferrera, highlighted the importance of authentic representation of women and girls in media. Ferrera’s heartfelt speech about growing up without seeing characters that looked like her resonated deeply with the audience.
The night concluded with Harrison Ford receiving the Career Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to his long-standing and impactful presence in the film industry. His emotional acceptance speech, crediting luck and the collaboration of talented filmmakers, was a testament to his humility and legendary status.
The 29th Critics Choice Awards not only celebrated the year’s best in film and television but also underscored the industry’s evolving landscape, embracing diversity and the power of storytelling. As Hollywood continues to navigate new horizons, nights like these remind us of the unifying power of cinema and television.