Go Inside the 23rd Annual Critics Choice Awards
23rd Annual Critics Choice Awards — Everyone knows we’re among the best predictors of the Oscars
While I didn’t personally pick all the winners, I certainly had a great time schmoozing with them at the 23rd Annual Critics’ Choice Awards, Thursday, January 11, broadcast live on the CW from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
As you know, I’m a member of both the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) and Broadcast Television Journalists Association (BTJA)–we’re the folks behind the Critics Choice Awards. Being on the Executive Committee, as well as overseeing part of the nominating process, I’m particularly invested.
The results of the 23rd Annual Critics Choice Awards didn’t surprise me. “The Shape of Water,” the most nominated film of the evening, took home four awards, an event high, including Best Picture, Best Director for Guillermo del Toro, Best Production Design for Paul Denham Austerberry, Shane Vieau and Jeff Melvin, and Best Score for Alexandre Desplat. (BTW, I voted for “Three Billboards”)
The top film actor award went to Gary Oldman, for his work in “Darkest Hour,” and I’m convinced he’s pretty much a shoo-in for an Oscar. While chatting with him, I could see he was visibly moved by our little award, which I thought was so gracious.
Frances McDormand, awarded Best Actress for “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” McDormand’s co-star Sam Rockwell won the trophy for Best Supporting Actor, while Best Supporting Actress went to Allison Janney for her standout performance in “I, Tonya.”
Nominated for five awards, Big Little Lies (HBO) earned four trophies including Best Limited Series and Best Actress in a Movie Made for TV or Limited Series for Nicole Kidman, while co-stars Alexander Skarsgård and Laura Dern were named Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress in a Movie Made for TV or Limited Series, respectively. Skarsgård may be scooping up awards for his portrayal of abusive husband Perry Wright, but he will always be sexy vampire Erik from True Blood to me!
The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu) won Best Drama Series at thein the 23rd Annual Critics Choice Awards, in addition to Best Actress in a Drama Series for Elisabeth Moss, and Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for Ann Dowd.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon) won Best Comedy Series, in addition to Best Actress in a Comedy Series for its leading lady, Rachel Brosnahan. I voted a straight Maisel ticket — it’s one of the most brilliant new comedies to come along in some time, and an absolute must-see on Amazon.
I sat at the “Stranger Things” table, and while the show’s only award went to David Harbour for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, the show was nominated, and the cast, including Natalia Dyer and Joe Keery, were there to represent.
Liev Schreiber, aka Ray Donovan, was nominated for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Although Sterling K. Brown from “This Is Us” won, Liev was in fine form.
Chris Sullivan who plays Toby on “This is Us,” wasn’t nominated, but gets the award for most interesting tux.
Willem Dafoe was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for “The Florida Project,” and had a great time even though Sam Rockwell won.
Ian McShane, nominated for Best Actor in “American Gods,” was feeling particularly cheeky that night.
See the rest of the nominees and winners of the 23rd Annual Critics Choice Awards at CriticsChoice.com.
Go Inside the 23rd Annual Critics Choice Awards
by Lisa Johnson Mandell
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