The 2025 Critics Choice Awards, held in Santa Monica, once again lived up to its reputation as a glamorous precursor to the Oscars. The star-studded event was a mix of breathtaking fashion, emotional speeches, and a few unexpected twists. As Hollywood’s finest gathered to celebrate the year’s most outstanding achievements in film and television, the evening was filled with memorable moments, both on and off the red carpet.
Fashion Highlights and Misses
The red carpet was a dazzling display of haute couture and bold fashion choices. Demi Moore, who took home the award for Best Actress, turned heads in a figure-hugging Schiaparelli corset dress. At 62, Moore proved that age is just a number, effortlessly showcasing her timeless beauty and confidence. The actress, who has often spoken about embracing aging, looked radiant and poised, cementing her status as a Hollywood icon.
Nicole Kidman, nominated for her role in the dramatic series Lioness, opted for a more relaxed look, trading her usual glamorous gowns for a chic sand-toned pantsuit paired with Saint Laurent heels. Though she didn’t win, her understated elegance was a refreshing change. Meanwhile, Angelina Jolie, despite not winning for her leading role in Maria, brought her signature sophistication to the event. Her sheer, lace Eli Saab gown, paired with bold red lips, was a masterclass in understated glamour.
However, not all fashion choices were universally praised. Ariana Grande, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Wicked: The Witch of the West, wore a floral mesh gown from Christian Dior’s couture collection. While daring, the dress drew mixed reactions, with some fans comparing it to a jellyfish. Grande lost the award to Zoe Saldana, who stunned in a vibrant red silk gown, proving that sometimes simplicity wins the day.
The most talked-about fashion moment, however, came from Orlando Bloom and Colin Farrell, who unknowingly twinned in nearly identical wine-colored suits paired with semi-transparent shirts. While both actors looked dapper, the coincidence became the evening’s most amusing mishap. Farrell, who won Best Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie for The Penguin, took it in stride, laughing off the situation.
Big Winners of the Night
The awards themselves were a mix of expected triumphs and pleasant surprises. Anora was crowned Best Picture, while Adrian Brody won Best Actor for his powerful performance in The Brutalist. Kieran Culkin continued his winning streak, taking home Best Supporting Actor for Real Pain, a role that has already earned him critical acclaim this awards season.
In the television categories, Hiroyuki Sanada won Best Actor in a Drama Series for his captivating performance in Shogun, while Kathy Bates was named Best Actress in a Drama Series for Matlock. The comedy categories saw Jean Smart win Best Actress for Hacks, and Adam Brody took home Best Actor in a Comedy Series for Nobody Wants This.
The limited series and TV movie categories were dominated by The Penguin, with Christine Milioti winning Best Actress and the show itself earning accolades for its gripping storytelling. Shogun was named Best Drama Series, while Hacks won Best Comedy Series. The Best Foreign Language Series award went to the ever-popular Squid Game, proving its global appeal remains unmatched.
Notable Moments and Snubs
While many celebrated their wins, there were a few notable snubs. Nicole Kidman and Angelina Jolie, both nominated for their leading roles, left empty-handed, as did Ariana Grande. However, their presence and contributions to the industry were undeniable, and their grace in defeat only added to their star power.
The evening also highlighted the diversity and creativity of this year’s projects. The Substance won for Best Original Screenplay, while The Conclave was recognized for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Ensemble Cast. The French film Emilia Perez was named Best Foreign Language Film, and Wild Robot took home the award for Best Animated Feature.
In a rare tie, both Deadpool & Wolverine and Real Pain were named Best Comedy, showcasing the breadth of comedic talent in the industry. Meanwhile, Rebel Ridge was named Best TV Movie, and The Fawn won Best Limited Series.
A Night to Remember
The 2025 Critics Choice Awards was a celebration of creativity, talent, and resilience in an ever-evolving industry. From stunning fashion to heartfelt speeches, the evening was a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring allure of cinema and television. As the awards season continues, all eyes now turn to the Oscars, where many of tonight’s winners and nominees will undoubtedly vie for Hollywood’s most coveted prize.
