Critics Choice Awards Offer Boost to Oscars Hopefuls
In January, the 28th annual Critics Choice Awards celebrated several winners in the film category but perhaps none as memorable as Brendan Fraser’s victory in a competitive best actor field for his career comeback in “The Whale.” A visibly moved Fraser was already emotional just getting to the stage — hugging several well-wishers along the way — and fought back tears delivering a powerful speech that brought the crowd to its feet. While Fraser’s victory celebration would continue on through both the SAG Awards and an Oscar triumph, it was the Critics Choice Awards who got there first.
The 29th annual Critics Choice Awards will air on Jan. 14. Chelsea Handler will host the ceremony, which will be held at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, and broadcast live on the CW. As in years past, it will include both film and TV categories.
More from Variety
Asked what people can expect and CEO Joey Berlin says, “Viewers of the 29th annual Critics Choice Awards will see more film and television stars — as well as producers, directors, crafts people and studio executives — than any other show, period. And they will all be enjoying a giant party!”
Who are the Critics Choice Award voters? According to Berlin, the voting body comprises approximately 600 film and television critics and reporters. He adds, “The Critics Choice Awards represents the year-end consensus of opinion among the leading critics and entertainment journalists who cover film and TV professionally.” While there is no known overlap between CCA membership and Academy voters, Berlin notes, “The awards are significant to audiences and the industry alike. While the gold standard awards — the Oscars and the Emmys — are voted on by those who make movies and TV, the Critics Choice Awards are voted on by the people who watch and judge these arts for a living.”
Still, the winners are often seen again at the Academy Awards. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” won several prizes including ones for picture, director and supporting actor — feats it would go on to repeat at the Oscars.
And while critics might not directly influence voters of other awards shows, it certainly can’t hurt to sing the praises of a film while voting is active. This year’s show airs two days before voting for Oscar nominations closes on Jan. 16. While nominations for the SAG Awards will be announced on Jan. 10, voting on winners starts Jan. 17. A great speech or a fun moment on stage certainly can’t hurt a nominee.
And the Critics Choice Awards are known as a fun time for all. In addition to the expected categories, there are awards given for comedy, ensemble and young actor/actress. Again, this can lead to some memorable moments — who can forget 8-year-old Alan Kim’s tearful acceptance speech when he won for “Minari” in 2021? And nobody could have predicted the year Meryl Streep and Sandra Bullock tied for best actress and faced off on stage — only to embrace in a kiss.
So it seems the only thing audiences can expect at January’s ceremony is the unexpected.
TIPSHEET
WHAT: 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards
WHEN: 5 p.m., Jan. 14, 2024
WHERE: The Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles
WEB: criticschoice.com
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
