The 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards took place on February 7, 2025, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, celebrating the best in film and television. Hosted by Chelsea Handler, the star-studded event recognized outstanding performances, groundbreaking storytelling, and cinematic excellence.
Originally set for January 12, 2025, the Critics Choice Awards were postponed due to wildfires in Los Angeles. Despite the delay, the excitement surrounding the prestigious awards remained high, with top films and TV shows competing for the coveted trophies.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the Critics Choice Awards 2025 winners list, highlight unforgettable moments, and explore the biggest surprises of the night.
Critics Choice Awards 2025: Biggest Winners and Top Moments
The Critics Choice Association (CCA), which comprises over 500 entertainment critics and journalists, selected this year’s winners across multiple categories in both film and television.
Leading the film nominations were Conclave and Wicked, each securing 11 nominations. Meanwhile, in the television category, the historical drama Shōgun topped the list with six nominations.
Critics Choice Awards 2025 – Film Category Winners
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Picture | Conclave |
| Best Actor | Ralph Fiennes (Conclave) |
| Best Actress | Cynthia Erivo (Wicked) |
| Best Director | Yorgos Lanthimos (Kinds of Kindness) |
| Best Acting Ensemble | Conclave |
| Best Animated Feature | The Wild Robot |
The Best Picture win for Conclave solidified its position as a top contender for the 2025 Academy Awards, further increasing its momentum in the awards circuit.
Critics Choice Awards 2025 – Television Category Winners
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Drama Series | Shōgun |
| Best Actor in a Drama Series | Hiroyuki Sanada (Shōgun) |
| Best Actress in a Drama Series | Jodie Comer (The End We Start From) |
| Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series | John Lithgow (The Old Man) |
| Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series | Moeka Hoshi (Shōgun) |
| Best Actor in a Limited Series | Colin Farrell (The Penguin) |
| Best Actress in a Limited Series | Cristin Milioti (The Penguin) |
The dominance of Shōgun in the drama categories proved its impact as one of the most celebrated series of the year. Meanwhile, The Penguin, starring Colin Farrell, received major accolades in the limited series category.
Unforgettable Moments from Critics Choice Awards 2025
Chelsea Handler’s Hilarious Opening Monologue
Returning as the host for the third consecutive year, Chelsea Handler didn’t hold back. Her witty remarks targeted Hollywood’s biggest stars, with playful jabs at blockbuster films and trending industry topics.
Emotional Acceptance Speeches
- Ralph Fiennes (Conclave) delivered a heartfelt speech, thanking his cast and crew for their dedication.
- Cynthia Erivo (Wicked) expressed gratitude for portraying such an iconic character and dedicated her win to aspiring young actors.
- Moeka Hoshi (Shōgun) became emotional, emphasizing the importance of diverse representation in Hollywood.
A Tribute to Late Hollywood Legends
The Critics Choice Association honored late industry icons, including Sir Ian McKellen and Donald Sutherland, with a moving tribute.
A Surprise Appearance by Leonardo DiCaprio
One of the biggest surprises of the night was Leonardo DiCaprio’s unexpected appearance to present the Best Picture award. His presence electrified the audience, leading to one of the night’s biggest standing ovations.
Critics Choice Awards 2025 vs. Oscars: What Does It Mean for the Academy Awards?
The Critics Choice Awards are often seen as an Oscar predictor, and this year’s winners have strengthened their positions ahead of the 2025 Academy Awards.
- Conclave’s Best Picture win could influence Oscar voters.
- Cynthia Erivo (Wicked) and Ralph Fiennes (Conclave) are now considered frontrunners for Best Actress and Best Actor at the Oscars.
- The strong showing for Shōgun might impact upcoming Emmy nominations later this year.
Critics Choice Awards 2025: What Fans Are Saying
Social media erupted with reactions to the night’s biggest wins and losses. While most fans celebrated Conclave’s Best Picture victory, some felt that other contenders, like Oppenheimer and Killers of the Flower Moon, were snubbed.
On Twitter (X), fans praised Moeka Hoshi’s emotional speech, calling it one of the most touching moments of the ceremony. Meanwhile, Leonardo DiCaprio’s surprise appearance trended with hashtags like #DiCaprioSurprise and #CCAAwards2025.
Final Thoughts: A Night to Remember at the Critics Choice Awards 2025
The 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards proved once again why it remains one of the most prestigious ceremonies in Hollywood. With powerful wins, emotional speeches, and unforgettable moments, it set the stage for the Oscars and Emmys later in the year.
As the awards season continues, the influence of the Critics Choice Awards 2025 will undoubtedly shape the future of film and television.
What was your favorite moment from this year’s Critics Choice Awards? Let us know in the comments!
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