What Is 27th Critics' Choice Awards

Overview

The 27th Critics' Choice Awards celebrated excellence in film and television released during 2021. Organized by the Critics Choice Association, the event took place on March 13, 2022, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. It marked a return to in-person ceremonies after the 2021 virtual format due to the pandemic.

Unlike other major award shows, the Critics' Choice Awards are voted on by professional film and TV critics across North America. The ceremony recognized achievements in 50 categories, including 23 for film and 27 for television. It served as a key precursor to the Oscars, often aligning with Academy Award nominations.

• Hosts:Taye Diggs and Nicole Byer co-hosted the event, bringing a lively and comedic tone to the broadcast after two years of virtual ceremonies.
• Best Picture:'The Power of the Dog' won the top film honor, directed by Jane Campion, and was recognized for its psychological depth and cinematography.
• Biggest winner:'Dune' took home 8 awards, including Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Visual Effects.
• Television highlight:'Ted Lasso' won Best Comedy Series for the second consecutive year, with Jason Sudeikis winning Best Actor in a Comedy.
• Historic win:Will Smith won Best Actor for 'King Richard', foreshadowing his later Oscar win, while Jessica Chastain won Best Actress for 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye'.

How It Works

The Critics' Choice Awards are determined by members of the Critics Choice Association (CCA), a group of over 400 professional critics and journalists. Voting occurs in two rounds: nominations are announced in December, followed by final voting in January and February.

• Nominations:Over 150 films were considered, with eight nominees in major categories like Best Picture, expanded from five to reflect diverse offerings in 2021.
• Voting body:More than 400 critics from print, digital, and broadcast media participated, ensuring a broad consensus across platforms and regions.
• Balloting process: Members vote in categories within their expertise, with film and TV separated to maintain specialized judgment across mediums.
• Award categories: The 27th edition featured 50 categories, including new ones like Best Acting Ensemble in a Limited Series to reflect evolving TV formats.
• Eligibility period: Films and shows released between January 1 and December 31, 2021 were eligible, aligning with the calendar year for fairness.
• Winner selection: Winners are determined by plurality vote, not a points system, making it simpler but highly competitive in close races.

Comparison at a Glance

The 27th Critics' Choice Awards can be compared to other major award shows in terms of timing, prestige, and predictive power for the Oscars.

The Critics' Choice Awards aligned with the Golden Globes in naming 'The Power of the Dog' Best Picture but diverged from the SAG and Oscars, which chose 'CODA'. This highlights its role as a strong, though not infallible, Oscar predictor. Its dual broadcast on The CW and TBS expanded its reach compared to niche networks used in prior years.

Why It Matters

The Critics' Choice Awards hold significant influence in the entertainment industry due to their broad voting membership and timing during awards season. They often spotlight underdog films and performances that gain momentum toward the Oscars.

• Industry impact: Winning a Critics' Choice Award can boost box office revenue, with films like 'Dune' seeing a 15% increase in re-release earnings post-ceremony.
• Media attention: The broadcast reached over 1.2 million viewers across The CW and TBS, making it one of the most-watched non-Oscar ceremonies.
• Artist recognition:Jessica Chastain and Will Smith used their wins as springboards to eventual Academy Award victories.
• TV influence:'Squid Game' made history by winning Best Foreign Language Series, increasing its global streaming numbers by 30%.
• Cultural relevance: The inclusion of gender-neutral acting categories in future years was foreshadowed by diverse nominees in 2022.
• Historical context: As the 27th edition, the event continues a legacy dating back to 1996, now rivaling the Golden Globes in credibility.

With its blend of critical authority and public visibility, the Critics' Choice Awards have become a pivotal moment in the annual entertainment calendar, shaping narratives and boosting careers.