Anora shocked audiences by winning Best Picture at the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards held on February 8, 2025, in Los Angeles. Directed by Sean Baker, the indie film triumphed over established frontrunners like The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez, marking one of the standout moments of the night.
Throughout the ceremony, held at the Fairmont Century Plaza hotel, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and surprise announcements, keeping viewers and attendees on the edge of their seats. Perhaps the biggest surprise came during Baker's acceptance speech, where he expressed gratitude to film critics for appreciating Anora, stating, "When those who dedicate their lives to their love of film see something positive, it means so much." The film tells the poignant story of Annie, played by Mikey Madison, who finds love with Vanya, a visiting Russian client. Baker’s win signals the frequent recognition of independent cinema at these prestigious awards.
Following closely behind Anora, the film The Substance also made waves at the ceremony with three wins. Demi Moore snagged Best Actress for her gripping performance, and Coralie Fargeat took home the award for Best Original Screenplay. Moore, reflecting on the under-appreciation of horror films, remarked, "I am so grateful not just for my performance, but ... horror films are overlooked." She pointed out the genre's depth and significance, which is often ignored by critics and audiences alike.
Another significant moment was the victory of Jon M. Chu for Best Director for Wicked. His humorous acceptance speech began with the playful declaration, "I’m going to win one Oscar!" before he acknowledged the hard work and dreams shared by those involved with the film.
While Anora and The Substance churned out unexpected wins, Emilía Pérez, another notable contender, also achieved three awards, including Best Foreign Language Film and Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldana. The film's infectious hit song "El Mal," co-written by Saldana and Karla Sofía Gascón, secured the Best Song award, rounding off a successful night for the film.
On the television side, FX/Hulu’s Shōgun swept the drama categories resulting in four major awards, including Best Drama Series and Best Actor for Hiroyuki Sanada. Shōgun's ability to captivate audiences has been applauded throughout awards season, and its inclusion at the Critics Choice Awards solidified its acclaim. Right behind Shōgun was the HBO comedy Hacks, which won Best Comedy Series. Jean Smart took home Best Actress for her role, accompanied by Hannah Einbinder’s supportive win.
The speed of the proceedings during the event added to its excitement as many awards were handed out quickly, leaving little time for individual speeches. This fast-paced award style, sometimes leading to collective wins, sparked conversations among fans eagerly waiting to see what their favorite shows would take home.
Other notable award winners included Adrien Brody, who won Best Actor for The Brutalist—a film aptly making waves for its poignant storytelling, no matter its smaller budget. Brody, during his brief speech, conveyed gratitude to critics for their role: "You've made this very small epic film very visible." His recognition at the Critics Choice reinforces the film's upcoming prominence as the Academy Awards near.
Among the numerous surprising outcomes, the absence of Karla Sofía Gascón—nominated for Best Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez—and the controversy surrounding her previous offensive tweets, raised questions about her impact on the night's proceedings and on the awards themselves. The storm she finds herself embroiled in after her tweets overshadowed her significant achievements from the evening.
The Critics Choice Awards not only celebrate remarkable achievements across film and television, but they also influence the Oscar nominations. Traditionally, winners at the Critics Choice have gone on to win at the Academy Awards. With esteemed nominees now taking home trophies, the anticipation for the upcoming Oscars grows.
Reflecting on the event, Baker encouraged audiences to support local theatres, emphasizing their role in fostering future love for cinema. "When we hear from film lovers, it empowers us," he concluded his speech, capturing the spirit of the evening filled with support, recognition, and celebration of creative artistry.
With ceremonies like the Critics Choice setting the stage, excitement for the Oscars reaches new heights every year. Fans and industry professionals alike now await to see how these results will carry through to the Academy Awards, promising the continuing evolution of the film industry and the remarkable stories yet to be told.