Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Critics Choice Awards: Chelsea Handler’s Sharp Wit Steals the Show Amidst Legal Drama
On Friday night, the 2025 Critics Choice Awards commenced with a powerful tribute led by Chelsea Handler, who captivated the audience with her humor and compassion. As the host, Handler began the evening by honoring the firefighters and first responders who valiantly fought the recent LA Fires, earning a well-deserved standing ovation from Hollywood’s elite, including Nicole Kidman, Zoe Saldaña, and Sarah Michelle Gellar.
Acknowledging Current Events
Handler’s opening remarks transitioned seamlessly into a light-hearted jab at the ongoing public legal battles involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, stars of the film “It Ends With Us.” She said, “I want to acknowledge that we’ve all been through a lot lately, not just here in Los Angeles, but our entire country. Waking up every day, not knowing what news we’re going to hear that will disappoint or horrify us, makes it all the more important to find distractions to lighten our spirits.”
Handler’s Comedic Take on Legal Battles
In her signature comedic style, Handler expressed her appreciation to Lively and Baldoni, playfully thanking them for their ongoing legal drama. “So, it’s important in times like these to have a distraction. Thank you for providing us with that distraction. I think we’re all grateful,” she quipped, suggesting that while viewers may take sides, a sequel to their story is highly unlikely.
Audience Reactions
The audience responded to Handler’s quip with laughter, with notable reactions captured on camera, including that of Orlando Bloom. Following her humorous remarks, Handler introduced the first award presenters, “nepo baby” Kate Hudson and her sister-in-law, Erinn Bartlett, who took the stage to acknowledge the cast of “Conclave,” winning the award for Best Ensemble.
Mingling Humor with Recognition
As the night progressed, humor continued to define the event. During a comedic acceptance speech, Michael Urie took a light-hearted jab at Harrison Ford, referring to him as an up-and-coming actor after their collaboration on “Shrinking.”
Celebrating Achievements in Entertainment
The evening also celebrated remarkable talents in television and film. Liev Schreiber and Jessica Gunning received accolades for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series for their roles in “Baby Reindeer” and “The Perfect Couple,” respectively. Meanwhile, Tadanobu Asano and Moeka Hoshi garnered recognition for their performances in the drama series “Shogun,” with Hoshi poignantly remembering the LA Fires during her acceptance speech.
Gratitude for First Responders
Jeff Hermann, producer of the animated feature “The Wild Robot,” extended heartfelt gratitude to the first responders from the Altadena community, ravaged by the Eaton Fire. This sentiment of appreciation echoed throughout the night, especially as Colin Farrell, awarded Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for “The Penguin,” commended the tireless dedication of first responders and firefighters.
Highlights of the Night
The event saw various awards given, including Best Actress in a Limited Series to Cristin Milioti and Best Limited Series to “Baby Reindeer.” Jesse Eisenberg presented the Best Supporting Actress award to Zoe Saldaña for her role in “Emilia Perez.” Adam Brody was honored with Best Actor in a Comedy Series for “Nobody Wants This,” attended by his wife, Leighton Meester, despite personal challenges following the Palisades Fire.
A Night to Remember
“Hacks” took home the prestigious Best Comedy Series award, while Kieran Culkin and Hiroyuki Sanada received accolades for Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor in a Drama Series, respectively. Kathy Bates won Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in “Matlock,” dedicating her award to the firefighters and acknowledging the loss experienced by her show’s producer during the Palisades Fire.
Reflecting on the Night’s Success
The Critics Choice Awards not only celebrated outstanding achievements in film and television but also brought forth a collective reflection on the resilience of the community. With humor and heartfelt tributes, the evening captured both laughter and solidarity, reminding audiences of the power of storytelling, even amidst the challenges faced in the world today.
