Critics Choice Awards 2024: A Night of Triumph and Tributes
Major Winners Shine Bright
The 2024 Critics Choice Awards was a celebrazione of cinematic excellence, with notable stars like Demi Moore, Zoe Saldana, Kieran Culkin, and Adrien Brody taking center stage. Demi Moore, a veteran actress, captured the Best Actress award for her role in The Substance, where she portrays a fading Oscar winner who discovers a black-market drug to create a younger version of herself. This win, coupled with her Golden Globe and Oscar nomination, marks her first major Hollywood awards recognition after decades in the industry. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Moore shared, "This has been such a wild ride… This is so far beyond anything I could have hoped for." Her words of encouragement to aspiring artists—"dreams do come true"—resonated deeply with the audience and beyond.
Standout Films and Their Achievements
The Substance not only elevated Moore’s career but also earned accolades for its filmmaker, Coralie Fargeat, who won Best Original Screenplay. The film’s Hair and Makeup team also received a Critics Choice Award, underscoring its technical brilliance. Another standout was Anora, which claimed the Best Picture title, delving into the story of a sex worker marrying the son of a Russian oligarch. Conclave, a papal thriller featuring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci, won Best Acting Ensemble, showcasing the film’s exceptional collective performance.
Musical Marvels and Joyful Jokes
Musicals took center stage, with Wicked enchanting audiences and critics alike. Directed by John M. Chu, the adaptation won three awards, including Best Director. Deadpool & Wolverine, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, shared the Best Comedy prize with A Real Pain. Reynolds humorously noted the win on Instagram, acknowledging the team’s excitement and congratulating the cast and crew of A Real Pain. The ceremony also saw a lighthearted moment from host Chelsea Handler, who playfully referenced Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, acknowledging their recent controversy and the much-needed distraction it provided.
Controversies and Conversations
Emilia Perez, a Spanish-language musical thriller, won Best Foreign Language Film and Best Song for El Mal, featuring Zoe Saldana. However, the film faced backlash due to past controversial social media posts by Karla Sofia Gascon, highlighting the challenges of art versus artist. Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain also sparked discussions about themes of family and legacy, offering a heartfelt exploration of their characters’ journey to Poland.
Triumph of the Big Screen
Adrien Brody’s powerful portrayal of a Hungarian-Jewish architect in The Brutalist earned him the Best Actor award. His performance, along with his Golden Globe win, solidifies his position as an Oscar frontrunner. Zoe Saldana and Kieran Culkin also triumphed in their supporting roles, further enriching the cinematic tapestry of the year. These wins celebrated the depth and diversity of talent in 2024’s film selection.
Television Excellence Honored
The TV categories saw Shogun dominate with Best Drama Series and acting awards for Hiroyuki Sanada, Moeka Hoshi, and Tadanobu Asano. Jean Smart’s exceptional performance in Hacks earned her Best Comedy Actress, while Baby Reindeer and Jessica Gunning were recognized for their compelling storytelling. The ceremony, held after several postponements due to Los Angeles wildfires, was a testament to resilience and artistry, celebrating stories that captivate and inspire across screens.
