Critics Alternative Awards 2025 winners: ‘Anora’ takes high prize, ‘Depraved’, ‘The Substance’, and ‘Emilia Perez’ additionally shine

Mikey Madison and Sean Baker, Demi Moore and Jon M. Chu are a few of the night time’s winners
| Photograph Credit score: AP/ Reuters

The 2025 Critics Alternative Awards topped Anora as the very best image winner in a star-studded ceremony full of shocking wins. Hosted by Chelsea Handler at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar, the occasion noticed Emilia Pérez, Depraved, and The Substance every securing three trophies, making them among the many night time’s greatest winners.

Adrien Brody took residence the award for finest actor for his efficiency in The Brutalist, whereas Demi Moore received finest actress for her position in The Substance. Zoe Saldaña acquired finest supporting actress for Emilia Pérez, and A Actual Ache’s Kieran Culkin, although absent, was honored with finest supporting actor.

Regardless of controversy surrounding resurfaced tweets from its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón, Emilia Pérez triumphed in three classes, successful finest international language movie, finest music, and Saldaña’s supporting actress award. The movie’s wins had been met with a comparatively subdued response within the room.

In the meantime, Depraved acquired a few of the loudest applause of the night when director Jon M. Chu received finest director in a shocking victory. Notably ignored of the Oscar nominations, Chu quipped on stage, “I’m gonna win that Oscar.” The movie additionally received for finest manufacturing design and costume design.

The Substance continued its awards season success with wins for finest authentic screenplay and finest hair and make-up, along with Moore’s performing triumph. Conclave secured two main wins — finest tailored screenplay and finest performing ensemble.

Comedy had its second as properly, with A Actual Ache and Deadpool & Wolverine tying for finest comedy. The night time additionally offered some recognition for Challengers, which had been notably ignored by the Oscars however walked away with two Critics Alternative Awards.

Chelsea Handler set the tone for the night time with a mixture of tributes and sharp humor. She opened the present by addressing the latest devastating Los Angeles wildfires, thanking first responders and inspiring donations by an on-screen QR code.

Whereas celebrating the night time’s honorees, many winners additionally used their time on stage to deal with social and political points. Colin Farrell, Kathy Bates, and Shogun’s Hiroyuki Sanada expressed gratitude to the firefighters battling the blazes. Hacks’ Hannah Einbinder and Shrinking’s Michael Urie took a stand for queer rights, with Urie declaring, “Trans lives matter.” Einbinder additionally spoke out towards local weather change, calling for accountability from the fossil gasoline trade.

Handler stored the viewers engaged along with her signature wit, poking enjoyable at Hollywood and present occasions. She joked about Anora, starring Mikey Madison, as “Melania Trump’s story” and quipped about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s spouse, Cheryl Hines, saying, “A few of you’ll win, some will lose, and a few will query your life selections like Cheryl Hines at a Senate affirmation listening to.”

The Critics Alternative Awards, initially postponed because of the wildfires, lastly aired on E! after its transfer from The CW. With main wins for Anora, Depraved, The Substance, and Emilia Pérez, the night showcased a mixture of celebrated favorites and shock upsets, setting the stage for the Oscars to return.