The 31st Critics Choice Awards took place Sunday, Jan. 4, grabbing media attention for its heartfelt speeches and glamorous fashion at the Santa Monica based event. 

The award show, hosted by comedian Chelsea Handler, displayed the talents of the best in entertainment. From actors and directors, to scriptwriters and costume designers, the Critics Choice Awards gave the best movies of 2025 their shot at national recognition. 

To open the show, Handler expressed her connection with director Rob Riener, who recently passed away late last year. The host brought attention to Reiner’s kindness to everyone in Hollywood, saying, in summary, that Reiner was ¨present, he was focused, and he was funny.¨

Shortly after the touching introduction, the first winner of the night was Miles Caton for Best Young Actor or Actress for his role in “Sinners.” The twenty-year-old took to the stage to share his gratitude for the win, not only thanking the cast and crew, but to his family who he thanked for getting him to where he is now. 

“Thank you guys for your prayers, your many sacrifices,” Caton said in his speech. “I would not be who I am without you. I dedicate this award to you.”

The very successful horror and action film, which takes place in a small Mississippi town during the 1930’s, won three additional awards that night, including Best Original Screenplay (Ryan Coogler), Best Cast and Ensemble (Francine Maisler), and Best Original Score (Ludwig Goransson).

“Frankenstein,” Guillermo del Toro’s horror and sci-fi epic starring Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, and Oscar Issac took home numerous awards, including Best Supporting Actor (Jacob Elordi), Best Production Design, Best Costume Design (Kate Hawley), and Best Hair and Makeup. 

Owen Cooper won in the category of Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television for his role in “Adolescence.” The sixteen-year-old is now the youngest person to ever achieve this award, already being the youngest person to win an Emmy Award in the category of Best Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.

“Receiving this award means more to me than I can even put into words,” Cooper said as he accepted the award. “To be standing here tonight is something I’ll never forget.” 

The Netflix original took home three additional awards, including Best Limited Series, Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television (Steven Graham), and Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television (Erin Doherty).

Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” won Best Picture. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Teyana Taylor in lead roles, the film took home the additional awards of Best Adapted Screenplay (Paul Thomas Anderson) and Best Director (Paul Thomas Anderson).

“This is the best time I ever had making a movie, and I feel like it shows,” Anderson said.Paul Thomas Anderson

“The Pitt” won Best Drama Series, as well as nabbed the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Katherine LaNasa), and Best Actor in a Drama Series (Noah Wyle).

The satirical television series “The Studio,” starring names such as Seth Rogen and Cathrine O’Hara, triumphed in the categories of Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Ike Barinholtz), Best Actor in a Comedy Series (Seth Rogen), and Best Comedy Series. 

Timothée Chalamet won the award of Best Actor for his role in “Marty Supreme” playing a young, ambitious table tennis player in hopes of becoming a champion in this sports drama film. Chalamet took to the stage to highlight his respect in regards to the cast and crew of the film, and to finish his speech, Chalamet said a few words to share his thankfulness to the support of his partner, Kylie Jenner.

“Thank you to my partner of three years,” Chalamet said. “Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you so much.”

Jessie Buckley received the award for Best Actress for her role as Shakespeare’s wife Agnes in the film “Hamnet.” The Irish actress shared a few words with the audience after an initial surprised reaction to the news. 

“To create is an absolute privilege,” Buckley said in her speech. “To stand beside incredible artists is an honor. It’s inspiring, and I share this with all of you.”