The 30th annual Critics Choice Awards took place on February 7, 2025, at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. Hosted by American comedian and actress Chelsea Handler, the ceremony honored outstanding achievements in film and television over the past year.
Film Awards
Sean Baker’s film Anora won the prestigious Best Picture award. Adrien Brody took home the Best Actor award for his performance in The Brutalist, while Demi Moore won Best Actress for her role in The Substance.
Wicked: The Tale of the Wicked Witch of the West led the nominations with an impressive 11 nods and secured three wins, including Best Director for Jon M. Chu. Emilia Perez also won three awards, including Best Foreign Language Film, and Zoe Saldana was awarded Best Supporting Actress.
Television Awards
In the television categories, Shōgun emerged as the biggest winner, securing four awards, including Best Drama Series. Actors Hiroyuki Sanada and Moeka Hoshi were recognized for their performances in the show.
Hacks was named Best Comedy Series, with Jean Smart winning Best Actress in a Comedy Series. The Deer King was honored as Best Limited Series, while Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti won Best Actor and Best Actress in a Limited Series for their roles in The Penguin.
Memorable Moments of the Ceremony
- The event was rescheduled from January to February due to wildfires in Los Angeles.
- Host Chelsea Handler kept the evening lighthearted and entertaining with her signature sarcastic humor.
- While accepting her award, Demi Moore said, “This has been such a wild adventure.” She thanked the critics for the recognition, calling it a “healing balm” for the difficult themes explored in The Substance and emphasized the importance of perseverance in the film industry.
- Zoe Saldana stunned on the red carpet in a red Saint Laurent gown, further reinforcing her strong connection with the brand.
The 2025 Critics Choice Awards was a major event in the film and television world, celebrating both blockbuster hits and emerging talents. The biggest winners of the night were Shōgun and Anora, with the ceremony leaving a lasting impression through emotional speeches and dazzling celebrity appearances.
