The 2025 Critics Choice Awards held plenty of surprises and a good dose of drama, as this year's ceremony played out in Santa Monica on February 7, despite being postponed twice due to wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles. Hosted by Chelsea Handler, the event was an electrifying mix of cinematic triumphs and eyebrow-raising moments.
Anora Takes Best Picture
The big winner of the night was Anora, claiming the title of Best Picture. This victory didn't come easily, as it managed to edge out strong competitors like Wicked and Emilia Pérez, both of which had been hotly tipped in the run-up to the awards. The win positioned 'Anora' alongside other frontrunners like 'The Brutalist' as key contenders in the ongoing Oscar race, with many critics now adjusting their expectations for the Academy Awards.
Amidst the celebrations, a cloud hung over the evening thanks to the controversy surrounding Emilia Pérez. The film itself did well, securing Best Director for Jacques Audiard and Best Adapted Screenplay. However, Karla Sofía Gascón, who was up for Best Actress, found herself under fire due to some resurfaced tweets that many considered offensive. The revelations gave the event a tense undercurrent, with many attendees and viewers questioning the impact on Acadamy votes.
Wicked's Wins and Snubs
Wicked may have missed out on the Best Picture award, but it was far from a washout for the fans of the musical film. Selena Gomez's rendition of 'Mi Camino' won Best Song, a rare accolade at these awards. Yet, despite this high point, fans were vocal in their disappointment over Wicked not clinching the major accolade they had hoped for.
The drama didn't stop there. Zoe Saldana's victory for Best Supporting Actress in Emilia Pérez came as an unexpected twist, especially since popular favorite Ariana Grande had been anticipated to win the award for her performance in Wicked. The backlash from Ariana's fans added yet another layer of discord to the evening.
Meanwhile, The Substance grabbed the attention for its extraordinary work off the screen, winning Best Hair & Makeup. But even here, controversy lurked as star Demi Moore was overshadowed, losing out on the Best Actress honor to Cynthia Erivo for Wicked.
The ceremony took on added significance given its proximity to the Producers Guild Awards held the same weekend. The double dose of award buzz amplified speculation about the Oscars, especially as audiences and industry insiders alike pondered whether the Critics Choice outcomes could have a say in the Academy’s decisions. With a slew of frontrunners now emerging, many wonder how voting, marred by scandals and controversies, might play out.