The announcement of the Critics Choice Awards 2025 nominations has set the stage for an exhilarating awards season, with both Wicked and Conclave leading the pack with an impressive eleven nominations each. This year’s nominations highlight a diverse array of films, showcasing the depth of talent and creativity in contemporary cinema.
Best Picture nominees reflect cinematic excellence
Among the nominees for Best Picture, the competition is fierce. In addition to the frontrunners, A Complete Unknown, Anora, The Brutalist, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, Nickel Boys, Sing Sing, and The Substance have all secured nominations. Notably, the Critics Choice Association’s list closely mirrors the American Film Institute’s top ten films of the year, with only one notable exception: The Substance replaced A Real Pain in the Critics Choice lineup.
Acting categories showcase remarkable talent
This year’s acting categories are particularly noteworthy, with a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who recently garnered accolades at the NYCC and LACC, has earned a Best Actress nomination for her powerful performance in Hard Truths. She is joined by a stellar group of nominees including Cynthia Erivo, Karla Sofía Gascón, Angelina Jolie, Mikey Madison, and Demi Moore. Meanwhile, the Best Supporting Actress category features Danielle Deadwyler, who has been recognized for her role in The Piano Lesson, alongside Ariana Grande, Margaret Qualley, Isabella Rossellini, Zoe Saldaña, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor.
Notable snubs and surprises in nominations
As the nominations unfold, several surprises and snubs have sparked conversations among industry insiders and fans alike. Notably, Sebastian Stan was overlooked for his performances in both A Different Man and The Apprentice, while Hugh Grant received a nomination for his role in Heretic. On the other hand, Clarence Maclin’s nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Sing Sing comes after missing out on a Golden Globe nod, showcasing the unpredictable nature of awards season.
The 30th annual Critics Choice Awards will be broadcast live on E! on January 12, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET, with Chelsea Handler returning as host. As anticipation builds, the film community eagerly awaits the ceremony, where the best in film will be celebrated.