What Is 22nd Critics' Choice Awards

Overview

The 22nd Critics' Choice Awards celebrated excellence in film and television for the year 2016, recognizing standout performances, direction, and storytelling. Organized by the Critics Choice Association, the ceremony brought together top talent from Hollywood and was hosted by Olivia Munn, known for her roles in The Newsroom and Deadpool.

Unlike the Oscars or Golden Globes, the Critics' Choice Awards are voted on by a large body of professional film and TV critics across North America. This gives the awards a unique perspective, blending critical acclaim with audience appeal. The 2017 ceremony (honoring 2016 releases) was particularly notable for its celebration of musicals, dramas, and groundbreaking television series.

• La La Land dominated the night by winning 8 awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress, setting a record for most wins in a single night.
• The event was held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, a popular venue for high-profile entertainment ceremonies due to its spacious layout and accessibility.
• Host Olivia Munn brought a comedic yet respectful tone to the evening, balancing sharp monologues with genuine appreciation for the nominees.
• Films like Moonlight and Manchester by the Sea also received multiple awards, highlighting the critical favor for intimate, character-driven storytelling.
• On the television side, Stranger Things won Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Series, marking a major win for Netflix and younger-skewing genre programming.

How It Works

The Critics' Choice Awards are determined by votes from members of the Critics Choice Association, a group of over 400 professional critics and journalists. Voting occurs in two rounds: initial nominations and final winners, with categories updated periodically to reflect industry changes.

• Eligibility Period:Films released between January 1 and December 31, 2016 were eligible. This ensured all contenders were evaluated within the same calendar year.
• Voting Body: Over 400 members of the Critics Choice Association voted. These members represent print, broadcast, and digital outlets across the U.S. and Canada.
• Nomination Process: Members submitted ballots for nominations, with the highest vote-getters in each category advancing to the final round.
• Award Categories: There were 26 film and 13 television categories, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Comedy Series, reflecting both cinematic and small-screen excellence.
• Winner Selection: Final winners were chosen through a second round of voting, with results sealed until the live broadcast on A&E.
• Broadcast: The ceremony aired live on A&E Network for the first time, marking a shift from previous years’ broadcasts on other networks.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the Critics' Choice Awards with other major award shows highlights key differences in voting bodies, categories, and timing.

The Critics' Choice Awards stand out for their broad critical representation and early December timing, which positions them as a key predictor for the Oscars. Their inclusion of both film and television in one ceremony also makes them unique among major awards. With a diverse voting body and growing viewership, the Critics' Choice Awards have become a significant stop on the awards season calendar.

Why It Matters

The 22nd Critics' Choice Awards not only celebrated artistic achievement but also influenced the broader awards season narrative, shaping Oscar predictions and boosting box office performance for honored films.

• La La Land’s 8 wins solidified its status as the frontrunner for the 2017 Academy Awards, generating significant media momentum.
• Recognition for Moonlight in key categories helped elevate its profile, contributing to its eventual Best Picture Oscar win.
• The awards highlighted the rise of streaming platforms, with Netflix and Amazon earning multiple nominations and wins.
• By honoring diverse voices and independent films, the Critics' Choice Awards promote inclusivity in Hollywood.
• Its broadcast on A&E expanded accessibility, reaching over 3 million viewers during the live telecast.
• The ceremony’s timing in early December gives it influence as an early awards bellwether for the Oscars, Golden Globes, and SAG Awards.

The 22nd Critics' Choice Awards demonstrated the growing influence of critics in shaping cultural conversations about film and television. As the industry evolves, the awards continue to reflect changing tastes and values in entertainment.