The 29th annual Critics Choice Awards, held this past January 14th, moved to the Barker Hanger at the Santa Monica Airport, to accommodate the large number of critics that attend as well as the film & TV talent. Streaming live on the CW channel, the prior year’s host, Chelsea Handler, had everyone in stitches from the get-go. The bright sunny day added to the anticipation of a lively event. “Oppenheimer” won Best Film, also winning the most awards with eight. “Barbie” won six, including Best Comedy. Best Actor went to Paul Giamatti for “The Holdovers,” with Best Actress going to Emma Stone in “Poor Things.” Best director is Christopher Nolan for “Oppenheimer” with Best Adapted Screenplay Cord Johnson for American Fiction, and for Best Original Screenplay Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach, “Barbie.”
On the TV side, “Succession” scored the Best Drama Series, Best Actor, and Best Actress for Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook, respectively, “The Bear” took home Best Comedy and won all its acting awards for Jeremy Allen White (Best Actor), Ayo Edebiri (Best Actress), and Ebon Moss (Best Supporting Actor).
My evening began three and a half hours before the show on the Red Carpet outside the venue, where talent conversed with journalists while wearing the latest trends in fashion. Fantasia Barrino, a lead actor in “The Color Purple,” looked stunning in her white flowing silk dress and ultra-long feather cape.
America Ferrara of the film “Barbie” wore a gorgeous brown sequin gown that appeared to reflect gold when in bright light. Speaking of “Barbie,” Margot Robbie, Actor and Producer nominated for Best Actress, made a splash wearing a custom red column dress with roses bordering the off-the-shoulder look. Later in the show, she presented America Ferrara the SeeHer Award.
A definite standout was Colman Domingo, the lead Actor in “Rustin” and “The Color Purple” nominated for Best Actor for his role as Bayard Rustin, a civil rights activist in the 60s; he chose an all-mustard yellow suit designed by Valentino Haute Couture. A shimmering gold textured trench coat with a royal blue satin lining with a swivel design was draped over his shoulders. The Louboutin gold pointed statin boots completed the look. “Colman’s my buddy, we have a great time together sharing ideas,” said fashion icon, composer, and singer Lenny Kravitz.” He spoke with me about the historical drama film movie “Rustin” for which he was nominated for writing and performing the song, Road to Freedom.
Check out all of my coverage on Roger Ebert’s website:
Sarah Knight Adamson January 18, 2024