The 2025 Critics Choice Awards saw Demi Moore and Adrien Brody take home the top acting honors. Demi, at 62, won Best Actress for her role in The Substance, a body-horror film where she plays an aging TV aerobics host who uses a magical substance to regain her youth. Adrien Brody triumphed in Best Actor for his portrayal of a Holocaust survivor in The Brutalist. Both stars cemented their places in the awards race with these wins.
A shocking best picture win for Anora
In a stunning twist, the evening’s top award—Best Picture—went to Anora, a film that had previously won nothing. Directed by Sean Baker, the quirky comedy-drama follows a dancer who marries a Russian oligarch’s son and faces shocking consequences. Anora triumphed over frontrunners like Wicked and The Brutalist, making it the night’s biggest surprise.
Demi Moore’s emotional acceptance speech
Demi Moore took the stage to accept her award, gushing, “This has been such a wild ride.” The star thanked critics for recognizing her performance, calling the award a “healing balm” for the issues the film addresses, particularly the challenges of aging in Hollywood.
Adrien Brody’s victory and emotional gratitude
Adrien Brody, winning Best Actor, thanked critics for giving his “small, epic film” the attention it deserved. The Brutalisttells the story of a Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor who faces conflict with a wealthy benefactor after immigrating to the U.S.
Zoe Saldaña’s surprising win
Zoe Saldaña shocked viewers by winning Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez. The film had been clouded by controversy due to racist tweets from its star, Karla Sofía Gascón. However, Saldaña’s heartfelt speech, where she thanked the director and cast, won the audience over.
Jon M. Chu’s win for Wicked
In another surprise, Jon M. Chu claimed Best Director for Wicked. Despite mixed reviews for the film’s musical numbers and desaturated colors, Chu’s win boosted his chances for an Academy Award nomination. He joked, “I’m going to win that Oscar!” referencing the Critics Choice Award’s track record for predicting Oscar winners.
Conclave and Shogun continue to shine
The night began with Conclave winning Best Ensemble, led by Ralph Fiennes. Meanwhile, Sh?gun continued its dominance with Hiroyuki Sanada winning Best Actor in a Drama Series and the show taking home Best Drama Series.
The Penguin’s success with Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti
Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti took home the awards for Best Actor and Actress in a Limited Series for The Penguin. Farrell, unrecognizable in prosthetics as the Batman villain Oz Cobb, joked about thanking the show’s makeup team “for reasons that are beyond me.” Milioti, equally charming, gushed about her dream role.
Hacks and Baby Reindeer dominate TV categories
The TV awards saw Hacks win Best Comedy Series, while Baby Reindeer took home Best Limited Series. Hannah Einbinder and Michael Urie triumphed in the Best Supporting Actor and Actress in a Comedy categories, delivering hilarious acceptance speeches.
Moeka Hoshi’s moving speech
Moeka Hoshi, who won Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for Sh?gun, was visibly emotional as she dedicated her award to the people of Los Angeles, devastated by recent fires. She expressed her heartfelt support for those affected by the disaster.
Emilia Pérez Wins best foreign language film
Despite the controversy surrounding its star, Karla Sofía Gascón, Emilia Pérez won Best Foreign Language Film. Director Jacques Audiard delivered his acceptance speech in French, humorously referencing a “magnificent day” and thanking his team.
In another surprise, Emilia Pérez took home Best Song, awarded to Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, and French singer Camille. However, only Camille was present to accept the award, as Netflix had stopped funding Gascón’s travel due to the ongoing scandal.
The 2025 Critics Choice Awards was filled with unexpected twists and emotional moments. From Demi Moore’s win to Anora’s shocking Best Picture victory, the night proved that awards season is never predictable. With standout performances and powerful speeches, it was an evening to remember.
