“Wicked,” “Emilia Pérez,” and “The Substance” each triumphed with three wins at the 30th annual Critics Choice Awards on Friday night. However, it was “Anora” that claimed the best picture prize at this year’s ceremony.
The Neon release entered the race with seven nominations, including best actress for Mikey Madison and best director and original screenplay for Sean Baker. But ultimately, “Anora” walked away with the coveted best picture award, and nothing more.
Meanwhile, “Wicked” director Jon M. Chu, who wasn’t nominated in the Academy Awards’ best director category, beat out several Oscar nominees to win the best director honor at the Critics Choice Awards. “I’m going to win that Oscar!” Chu said jokingly on stage.
The film-acting categories had less surprises, as the ceremony handed best actress to Demi Moore (“The Substance”), best actor to Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”), best supporting actress to Zoe Saldaña (“Emilia Pérez”) and best supporting actor to Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”).
On the television side, “Shōgun” dominated with four wins, securing every drama prize except for best actress, which went to “Matlock” star Kathy Bates over Emmy winner Anna Sawai. “Hacks” followed closely behind with three wins, including best comedy series and the two female acting awards in the comedy category (Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder).
Chelsea Handler hosted the 30th annual Critics Choice Awards, which was postponed twice due to the L.A. wildfires. The ceremony took place at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
