Critics Choice Awards 2023: The Complete Winners List
Hey guys! The 28th annual Critics Choice Awards took place on January 15, 2023, at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Chelsea Handler hosted the event, which honored the finest in cinematic and television achievements. Let's dive into the complete list of winners and celebrate the outstanding talent recognized this year. This year's Critics Choice Awards celebrated the best in film and television, with some truly deserving winners taking home the coveted awards. From blockbuster movies to critically acclaimed TV shows, the event showcased the incredible talent and creativity that the entertainment industry has to offer. So, without further ado, let's get to the winners!
Film Awards
Best Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
Everything Everywhere All at Once snagged the biggest award of the night, and rightfully so! This mind-bending, genre-defying film captivated audiences with its innovative storytelling, stellar performances, and heartfelt message. The film's success at the Critics Choice Awards further solidifies its place as a modern cinematic masterpiece. The film is directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, stars Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Stephanie Hsu, Jamie Lee Curtis, and James Hong. It follows a Chinese-American woman who discovers that she must connect with parallel universe versions of herself to prevent a powerful being from destroying the multiverse. Everything Everywhere All at Once has received widespread acclaim for its originality, creativity, and emotional depth. The film is a triumph of independent cinema, showcasing the power of original storytelling and visionary filmmaking. Its win for Best Picture at the Critics Choice Awards is a testament to its impact on audiences and critics alike. The movie truly earned this recognition, blending action, comedy, and profound emotional resonance in a way that's rarely seen. If you haven't watched it yet, definitely add it to your list!
Best Actor: Brendan Fraser – The Whale
Brendan Fraser's powerful performance in The Whale marked a significant comeback for the beloved actor. His portrayal of a reclusive English teacher struggling with obesity and trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Fraser's dedication to the role was evident, and his win was a well-deserved recognition of his talent and commitment. Fraser underwent a remarkable transformation for the role, both physically and emotionally. He gained weight and spent hours in makeup each day to embody the character of Charlie. But more than just the physical transformation, Fraser delved deep into the character's psyche, capturing his pain, his hope, and his unwavering love for his daughter. The Whale is a poignant and moving film that explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the importance of human connection. Fraser's performance is the heart and soul of the film, and his Critics Choice Award win is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. This award celebrates not just a performance, but a resurgence of a beloved actor who has touched the hearts of many. Watching him receive this award was genuinely heartwarming.
Best Actress: Cate Blanchett – Tár
Cate Blanchett delivered a tour-de-force performance in Tár, a psychological drama about a renowned composer and conductor whose life begins to unravel. Blanchett's portrayal of the complex and enigmatic Lydia Tár was mesmerizing, showcasing her incredible range and versatility as an actress. She completely embodies the character, capturing her brilliance, her ambition, and her inner turmoil. Tár is a challenging and thought-provoking film that explores themes of power, gender, and the complexities of the human experience. Blanchett's performance is the anchor of the film, and her Critics Choice Award win is a recognition of her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft. She brings a nuance and depth to the character that is truly captivating, making Lydia Tár one of the most memorable and complex characters in recent cinema. This win further cements Blanchett's status as one of the greatest actresses of our time.
Best Supporting Actor: Ke Huy Quan – Everything Everywhere All at Once
Ke Huy Quan's triumphant return to acting after a long hiatus was one of the most heartwarming stories of the year. His performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once was a revelation, showcasing his incredible range and charisma. He played multiple versions of his character, each with its own unique personality and quirks, and he nailed every single one of them. Quan's journey is an inspiring tale of perseverance and second chances. After starring in iconic films like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies as a child, he stepped away from acting for many years. His return in Everything Everywhere All at Once has been met with widespread acclaim, and his Critics Choice Award win is a testament to his talent and dedication. He is a true inspiration to aspiring actors everywhere, proving that it's never too late to pursue your dreams. Watching him accept the award was a genuinely emotional moment.
Best Supporting Actress: Angela Bassett – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Angela Bassett's powerful and emotional performance as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was a standout. She brought strength, dignity, and vulnerability to the role, capturing the grief and resilience of a nation in mourning. Bassett's performance was particularly poignant given the real-life loss of Chadwick Boseman, and her Critics Choice Award win was a fitting tribute to his legacy. Bassett has been a force in Hollywood for decades, and her performance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is one of the highlights of her illustrious career. She embodies the strength and grace of Queen Ramonda, and her portrayal of a leader navigating grief and loss is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her win is a celebration of her talent and her contribution to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It's always great to see a veteran actress receive the recognition she deserves.
Best Young Actor/Actress: Gabriel LaBelle – The Fabelmans
Best Acting Ensemble: Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Best Director: Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert – Everything Everywhere All at Once
Best Original Screenplay: Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert – Everything Everywhere All at Once
Best Adapted Screenplay: Sarah Polley – Women Talking
Best Cinematography: Claudio Miranda – Top Gun: Maverick
Best Production Design: Florencia Martin, Anthony Carlino – Babylon
Best Editing: Paul Rogers – Everything Everywhere All at Once
Best Costume Design: Ruth E. Carter – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Best Hair and Makeup: Babylon
Best Visual Effects: Avatar: The Way of Water
Best Comedy: Everything Everywhere All at Once
Best Animated Feature: Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
Best Foreign Language Film: RRR
Best Song: “Naatu Naatu” – RRR
Best Score: Hildur Guðnadóttir – Tár
Television Awards
Best Drama Series: Better Call Saul
Better Call Saul finally took home the gold! This critically acclaimed prequel to Breaking Bad has consistently delivered top-notch writing, acting, and directing, and it's great to see it recognized as the best drama series. The show has masterfully crafted its own identity, separate from its predecessor, while still maintaining the same level of tension and suspense. Better Call Saul is a masterclass in storytelling, with complex characters, intricate plotlines, and a unique visual style. Its win is a testament to the dedication and talent of the entire cast and crew. For fans of the show, this award is a long-awaited and well-deserved victory.
Best Actor in a Drama Series: Bob Odenkirk – Better Call Saul
Bob Odenkirk's outstanding performance as Saul Goodman in Better Call Saul has been a highlight of the series. He has transformed the character from a comedic sidekick in Breaking Bad into a complex and nuanced protagonist, and his Critics Choice Award win is a recognition of his incredible talent and dedication. Odenkirk has brought a depth and vulnerability to the character that has made him both relatable and compelling. He has navigated Saul's moral ambiguities with grace and skill, making him one of the most fascinating characters on television. His win is a celebration of his talent and his contribution to the world of television. It’s a well-deserved honor for an actor who has consistently delivered exceptional performances.
Best Actress in a Drama Series: Zendaya – Euphoria
Zendaya continues to impress with her powerful and nuanced performance in Euphoria. She embodies the struggles and complexities of her character Rue with incredible depth and vulnerability. Euphoria is a groundbreaking series that tackles difficult and important issues, and Zendaya's performance is at the heart of its success. She has become a voice for a generation, and her Critics Choice Award win is a testament to her talent and her impact on the world of television. She's truly a star on the rise, and it's exciting to see what she'll do next.
Best Comedy Series: Abbott Elementary
Abbott Elementary is a breath of fresh air in the world of television comedy. This smart, funny, and heartwarming show about a group of dedicated teachers in a Philadelphia public school has captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike. The show's success is due to its sharp writing, its relatable characters, and its optimistic outlook. Abbott Elementary is a celebration of teachers and the important work they do, and its Critics Choice Award win is a well-deserved recognition of its quality and its impact. It's a show that makes you laugh, makes you think, and makes you feel good, all at the same time.
Best Actor in a Comedy Series: Jeremy Allen White – The Bear
Best Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart – Hacks
Best Limited Series: The Dropout
Best Movie Made for Television: Weird: The Al Yankovic Story
Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television: Daniel Radcliffe – Weird: The Al Yankovic Story
Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television: Amanda Seyfried – The Dropout
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Giancarlo Esposito – Better Call Saul
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Jennifer Coolidge – The White Lotus
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Henry Winkler – Barry
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Sheryl Lee Ralph – Abbott Elementary
Best Animated Series: Harley Quinn
Best Talk Show: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Comedy Special: Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special
Wrapping Up
So there you have it, folks! The Critics Choice Awards 2023 was a night of celebration for some truly outstanding achievements in film and television. From the big winners like Everything Everywhere All at Once and Better Call Saul to the many other deserving recipients, it was a night to remember. Let's raise a glass to all the talented individuals who continue to create and inspire us with their work! What were your favorite wins of the night? Let us know in the comments below!
