The 29th annual Critics Choice Awards ceremony, a major precursor to the Oscars, unfolded in a glittering event in Los Angeles, honouring the finest achievements in film and television for the year 2025. The night belonged to cinematic giants Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" and Greta Gerwig's "Barbie," alongside the critically adored television saga "Succession." The ceremony was hosted by the charismatic comedian Chelsea Handler at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel.
Film Categories: A Night for Blockbuster Cinema
In the film categories, the historical drama "Oppenheimer" emerged as the biggest winner, securing an impressive eight awards. The film's sweeping victory included the top prize of Best Picture, while Christopher Nolan was rightly honoured as Best Director. Cillian Murphy's transformative portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer earned him the Best Actor trophy, and Robert Downey Jr. continued his awards season streak by winning Best Supporting Actor for his role as Lewis Strauss.
The cultural phenomenon "Barbie" was not far behind, claiming a total of six awards. The film won the newly introduced category of Best Comedy, and its infectious anthem, "I'm Just Ken," performed by Ryan Gosling, won for Best Song. The film also triumphed in several technical categories, showcasing its production brilliance.
Emma Stone was named Best Actress for her daring performance in "Poor Things," and Da'Vine Joy Randolph solidified her frontrunner status by winning Best Supporting Actress for "The Holdovers." The award for Best Original Screenplay went to "The Holdovers," while "American Fiction" won for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Television Triumphs: Farewell to Roy Family
The television section was dominated by the final season of HBO's "Succession," which secured a commanding four awards. The series won the coveted Best Drama Series award. Its stars, Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook, were crowned Best Actor and Best Actress in a Drama Series, respectively, for their riveting performances as Roman Roy and Shiv Roy.
The Best Comedy Series award was claimed by the beloved bear in "The Bear," which also saw Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri win for Best Actor and Best Actress in a Comedy Series. In the limited series arena, "Beef" continued its award-winning run, taking home Best Limited Series, while Steven Yeun and Ali Wong won the acting honours.
Special Honours and Notable Wins
The ceremony also bestowed special honours. The iconic Harrison Ford was presented with the prestigious Career Achievement Award, receiving a standing ovation for his legendary contributions to cinema. Furthermore, the Critics Choice Association introduced a new award for Best Movie Made for Television, which was won by the film "Quiz Lady."
The event was a significant indicator of industry and critical favour as the awards season reaches its peak. The dominance of films like "Oppenheimer" and "Barbie," which were both critical darlings and box office juggernauts, highlights a rare convergence of commercial success and artistic acclaim. For television, the awards served as a fitting farewell to the era-defining drama "Succession," cementing its legacy as one of the greatest series of its time.
