The 30th Critics’ Choice Awards, an eagerly awaited event, finally unfolded on February 7, 2025, beneath the glittering lights of the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Hosted by the humorous and ever-charming Chelsea Handler, the ceremony celebrated the best in film and television from 2024, after facing two postponements due to the Los Angeles wildfires.
Film Highlights
The spotlight was firmly on *Anora*, which clinched the prestigious Best Picture award, prevailing over heavyweight contenders such as *Conclave* and *Wicked*. Both *Conclave* and *Wicked* had entered the fray with 11 nominations each, highlighting the competitive nature of this year's awards. Demi Moore's performance in *The Substance* won her the Best Actress title, outshining other skilled actors like Timothée Chalamet, who was nominated for his role in *A Complete Unknown*. Another notable win was for Zoë Saldaña, who was awarded Best Supporting Actress for her work in *Emilia Pérez*. The film also received accolades for Best Foreign Language Film and took home the award for Best Original Song with its track ‘El Mal’.
Television Triumphs
On the television front, the evening belonged to *Shōgun*. This sweeping historical drama won multiple key categories, including Best Drama Series. Its cast was also duly recognized, with Hiroyuki Sanada winning Best Actor, Moeka Hoshi securing Best Supporting Actress, and Tadanobu Asano bagging the award for Best Supporting Actor. Meanwhile, HBO's beloved comedy series *Hacks* continued to charm audiences and critics alike, adding another win to its repertoire.
Other achievements included *The Wild Robot*, which stood out in the animation category, while *The Substance* showed its prowess in hair and makeup design.
Craft Categories saw outstanding work from *Conclave* and *Dune: Part Two*. *Conclave* enchanted listeners with its musical composition, winning Best Score, while the visual spectacle of *Dune: Part Two* earned it the award for Best Visual Effects. In a standout performance, Kieran Culkin was recognized as Best Supporting Actor for his role in *A Real Pain*.
This year's event, widely seen as a bellwether for the upcoming Oscars, was broadcast live on E! and streamed across various platforms, bringing the glitz of Hollywood into homes around the globe.
