The red carpet at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar had dried, the last trophy had been handed out, and yet a single, unscripted moment from the 31st Critics’ Choice Awards continued to echo. It wasn’t the predictable, if triumphant, win of Paul Thomas Anderson’s searing political thriller, One Battle After Another, for Best Picture. Nor was it Timothée Chalamet’s charming, Kylie Jenner-thanking victory for Best Actor in Marty Supreme . The moment that captured the soul of the evening came before any envelopes were opened, when host Chelsea Handler, her trademark sharpness softened, paid tribute to a giant whose absence was felt by all: the late, beloved director Rob Reiner .
In a room glittering with the year’s biggest stars, Handler spoke of decency. “Anyone who ever spent time with Rob Reiner knows that the minute you met him, he felt like an old friend,” she began, her voice steady but full of feeling. She recalled his insatiable curiosity about everything from politics to beauty trends, a man who was “all in” on every conversation . This heartfelt eulogy for “the nicest guy in Hollywood” reframed the entire night . The ceremony, broadcast on E! and USA Network, became more than a competition; it was a community gathering to celebrate art and to remember one of its most generous spirits, just weeks after his tragic death . It was a poignant reminder that behind every film and performance are people, and their humanity matters.
The Coronation of a Contender
The awards themselves did their job, providing a crucial early snapshot of the Oscar race. As expected, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another solidified its frontrunner status with a commanding triple win: Best Picture, Best Director for Anderson, and Best Adapted Screenplay . The film, a dense action thriller about activists, has dominated the critics’ awards circuit, hailed by some as a masterpiece of modern political cinema . However, its victory also highlighted a growing cultural conversation. While a critical darling, the film has been described as having underperformed with broader U.S. audiences compared to rivals like Sinners or Hamnet, leading to pointed discussions about whether awards bodies are becoming “decoupled” from mainstream moviegoers .
Awards and Authentic Reactions
The acting categories provided the night’s most electric and human moments, showcasing both seasoned composure and genuine shock.
In a major upset that sent a jolt through the awards race, Timothée Chalamet triumphed in the fiercely competitive Best Actor category. He beat out heavyweight favorites like his One Battle After Another co-star Leonardo DiCaprio and Michael B. Jordan for his role as a 1950s table-tennis hopeful in Marty Supreme . His win was a testament to a beloved performance and a highly visible campaign. In a sweetly personal acceptance speech, he thanked his partner, Kylie Jenner, saying, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I couldn’t do this without you” .
Equally pivotal was Jessie Buckley’s victory for Best Actress for her “captivating” portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare in Hamnet, which cemented her as the Oscar favorite . Her speech was pure, unfiltered joy, as she shouted to her co-star Paul Mescal, “Paul, I bloody love you man!… I could drink you like water working with you every single day” .
But the most visceral reaction of the night belonged to veteran actress Amy Madigan. When her name was called for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Aunt Gladys in Weapons, the surprise on her face was utterly genuine and deeply moving . A critic noted it was a win for a “stellar performance” that the insiders knew was “definitely award-worthy,” making her triumph a crowd-pleasing moment .
The Night’s Biggest Winners at a Glance
On the television side, the love was spread widely. The medical drama The Pitt won Best Drama Series, while Seth Rogen’s Hollywood satire The Studio swept the comedy categories, winning Best Comedy Series and acting awards for Rogen and Ike Barinholtz . The limited series Adolescence was the night’s biggest TV winner, taking home four awards including Best Limited Series .
A Community Looking Forward
The evening was not without its subtle barbs at the political landscape. South Park, renowned for its relentless satire of the Trump presidency, won Best Animated Series, while Jimmy Kimmel Live!, whose host has been a frequent target of the former president, won Best Talk Show . These wins felt like the industry acknowledging the artists who engage directly, and at great risk, with the nation’s fractious discourse.
As the after-parties wound down, the 31st Critics’ Choice Awards had accomplished something rare. It delivered concrete data for the Oscar oddsmakers, with One Battle After Another, Chalamet, and Buckley looking stronger than ever . But more importantly, it set an emotional tone for the season. Chelsea Handler’s tribute reminded a room often accused of narcissism to look outward with kindness . Amy Madigan’s shocked delight reminded everyone that recognition never gets old. In a business of facades, it was a night that, for a few hours, felt authentically human. The race for gold is on, but for one night, the victory was simply being together, remembering a friend, and celebrating the work.