The 2025 Critics Choice Awards, a prominent event celebrating achievements in film and television, faced unprecedented challenges due to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires that ravaged the region in late 2024 and early 2025. Originally scheduled for January 12th, the ceremony was postponed twice, first to January 26th and then finally to February 7th, 2025, reflecting the severity of the natural disaster. The fires, fueled by Santa Ana winds, caused widespread destruction, displacing thousands and tragically claiming lives. The impact extended to the entertainment community, with some nominees, like Adam Brody, reportedly losing their homes. Despite these setbacks, the Critics Choice Association (CCA) remained committed to honoring the year’s outstanding cinematic and television work, adapting to the circumstances and ultimately confirming the new date. Even the Live from E! red carpet special, a traditional prelude to the ceremony, was canceled due to the rescheduling.
Amidst the backdrop of the wildfires, the nominations for the 2025 Critics Choice Awards highlighted a diverse range of films and television series. In the film category, “Conclave” and “Wicked” dominated with eleven nominations each, closely followed by “Dune: Part Two” and “Emilia Pérez” with ten nominations each. “Conclave” secured a Best Actor nomination for Ralph Fiennes, while Cynthia Erivo received a Best Actress nomination for “Wicked.” Karla Sofía Gascón also garnered a Best Actress nomination for her role in “Emilia Pérez.” The Best Picture category showcased a competitive field, with “A Complete Unknown,” “Anora,” “The Brutalist,” “Nickel Boys,” “Sing Sing,” and “The Substance” all vying for the top honor. The eventual winners in these categories remained highly anticipated, promising recognition for exceptional storytelling and performances.
On the television front, the historical drama “Shōgun” led the nominations with six nods, including Best Drama Series. Competing in the same category were “The Day of the Jackal,” “The Diplomat,” “Evil,” “Industry,” “Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire,” “The Old Man,” and “Slow Horses.” “Shōgun’s” recognition extended to its cast, with Hiroyuki Sanada nominated for Best Actor in a Drama Series, Anna Sawai for Best Actress in a Drama Series, Tadanobu Asano and Takehiro Hira for Best Supporting Actor, and Moeka Hoshi for Best Supporting Actress. The comedy category saw a diverse range of nominees vying for Best Comedy Series, including “Abbott Elementary,” “English Teacher,” “Hacks,” “Nobody Wants This,” “Only Murders in the Building,” “Somebody Somewhere,” “St. Denis Medical,” and “What We Do in the Shadows.” Notably, “Nobody Wants This” earned four nominations, including recognition for Adam Brody and Kristen Bell in the lead acting categories.
The 2025 Critics Choice Awards ceremony found a home on the E! network, airing live on February 7th at 7 pm ET. The awards show would also be available for streaming the following day on Peacock. Chelsea Handler, a familiar face on E! from her days hosting “Chelsea Lately,” returned for her third consecutive year as host. Handler expressed excitement about returning to what she considered her “birthplace,” highlighting the positive relationship between the host and the network. Her comedic presence and experience promised an engaging and entertaining evening for viewers, offering a much-needed respite from the challenges faced by the community.
The Critics Choice Awards distinguish themselves from other award shows through their unique voting body, the Critics Choice Association (CCA). Similar to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) for the Oscars, the CCA consists of entertainment journalists who vote on the awards. While the Golden Globes also utilize entertainment journalists for voting, the CCA is specifically dedicated to the Critics Choice Awards, creating a distinct perspective on recognizing excellence in film and television. This focus on the critical community provides a specialized lens through which the year’s best work is evaluated.
The 2025 Critics Choice Awards served as a testament to the resilience of the entertainment industry and the community at large. Despite the devastating wildfires and the resulting disruptions, the show ultimately went on, celebrating the power of storytelling and the enduring spirit of creativity. The ceremony offered a platform for recognition and appreciation of artistic achievements, providing a welcome moment of celebration amidst challenging times. The diverse range of nominees showcased the richness and variety of storytelling across both film and television, highlighting the continued evolution of these mediums.
