What Is 25th Critics' Choice Awards

Overview

The 25th Critics' Choice Awards celebrated excellence in film and television for the year 2019, marking a significant milestone in the awards season calendar. Hosted by Taye Diggs for the third consecutive year, the event brought together top talent from Hollywood and was widely viewed as a predictor for the upcoming Academy Awards.

The ceremony highlighted groundbreaking achievements in cinema, including historic wins for international films and diverse storytelling. With over 400 critics and journalists from the Broadcast Television Journalists Association (BTJA) voting, the awards reflect a broad consensus across the entertainment industry.

• 1917 won the night’s top prize, Best Picture, after receiving widespread acclaim for its technical innovation and immersive cinematography.
• Parasite made history by becoming the first non-English language film to win Best Picture, signaling a shift in global cinematic recognition.
• Sam Mendes took home the Best Director award for 1917, a film shot to appear as one continuous take.
• Renee Zellweger won Best Actress for her portrayal of Judy Garland in Judy, a role that later earned her an Oscar.
• Jojo Rabbit received the Best Comedy award, showcasing Taika Waititi’s unique blend of satire and heart in a World War II setting.

How It Works

The Critics' Choice Awards are determined by members of the BTJA, who vote across multiple categories in film and television. Unlike guild or academy awards, these honors are selected by professional critics, offering a distinct perspective on artistic and technical merit.

• Voting Body: Over 400 members of the BTJA, including film and TV journalists from across North America, cast ballots in all categories.
• Eligibility Period: Films and shows released between January 1 and December 31, 2019 were eligible for the 25th edition.
• Nomination Process: A nominating committee selects five to eight nominees per category, based on critical reception and cultural impact.
• Winner Selection: Winners are determined by a plurality vote among BTJA members, with no ranked-choice system used.
• Categories: The 2020 show featured 24 film and 13 television categories, including genre-specific awards like Action and Comedy.
• International Recognition: The Best Foreign Language Film category was notably won by Parasite, which later won the Oscar for Best Picture.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key winners at the 25th Critics' Choice Awards with other major award shows from the same season:

This comparison reveals both alignment and divergence among awards bodies. While 1917 dominated the Critics' Choice and Golden Globes, the Academy ultimately favored Parasite, reflecting differing tastes between critics and industry peers.

Why It Matters

The 25th Critics' Choice Awards played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of the 2019–2020 awards season, offering visibility and momentum to key contenders. Its influence extends beyond trophies, affecting box office performance, streaming visibility, and industry recognition.

• Boosted International Cinema:Parasite's win helped elevate non-English films in mainstream American discourse and distribution.
• Highlighted Technical Excellence:1917's recognition emphasized the importance of cinematography and sound design in modern filmmaking.
• Supported Diversity: The awards celebrated performances and stories from underrepresented communities, including Little Women and Knives Out.
• Influenced Oscar Campaigns: Studios use Critics' Choice wins to bolster marketing efforts and secure final Academy votes.
• Validated Critics' Voices: As an alternative to guild and academy awards, the Critics' Choice Awards reinforce the role of film journalism.
• Increased TV Recognition: The inclusion of 13 TV categories spotlighted shows like Succession and Fleabag, bridging film and television prestige.

Ultimately, the 25th Critics' Choice Awards served as both a celebration and a barometer, reflecting evolving tastes and the growing global reach of storytelling.