What Is 28th Critics' Choice Awards

Overview

The 28th Critics' Choice Awards celebrated excellence in film and television for the year 2022, recognizing achievements across major cinematic and small-screen categories. Hosted by Taye Diggs and Nicole Byer, the ceremony took place on January 15, 2023, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Santa Monica, California.

The event is organized by the Critics Choice Association, a group of over 400 film and TV critics and journalists. It is one of the most influential precursor awards leading up to the Oscars, often predicting major winners due to overlapping voter interests.

• Event date: The 28th Critics' Choice Awards were held on January 15, 2023, marking a return to an in-person format after pandemic-related adjustments in prior years.
• Location: The ceremony took place at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Santa Monica, a venue that has hosted the event multiple times in recent years.
• Hosts:Taye Diggs and Nicole Byer co-hosted the evening, bringing a mix of humor and industry insight to the broadcast.
• Top film winner:'Everything Everywhere All at Once' took home five awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.
• Top TV winner: The HBO series 'The White Lotus' won three awards, including Best Drama Series, solidifying its cultural and critical impact.

How It Works

The Critics' Choice Awards are determined by members of the Critics Choice Association, who vote across film and television categories. The process combines industry credibility with broad critical representation, making the awards a key Oscar predictor.

• Eligibility Period: Films and TV shows must have been released between January 1 and December 31, 2022 to qualify for the 28th edition.
• Voting Body: Over 400 professional critics from print, digital, and broadcast media are eligible to vote, ensuring diverse perspectives.
• Balloting Process: Voting occurs in two rounds—initial nominations are determined by category-specific committees, followed by a final ballot for all members.
• Categories: There are 23 film categories and 13 television categories, covering everything from acting to technical achievements.
• Tie Rules: In the event of a tie, multiple winners are allowed, which occurred in Best Actress in 2023 between Cate Blanchett and Michelle Yeoh.
• Broadcast: The ceremony aired live on The CW Network, reaching a national audience and increasing visibility for nominated works.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of top wins between major award shows highlights how the Critics' Choice Awards align with or differ from other industry honors.

This table illustrates strong alignment between the Critics' Choice Awards and SAG or BAFTA in major categories, though differences like Avatar: The Way of Water winning the Golden Globe for Best Picture show divergent tastes. The Critics' Choice Awards often reflect a blend of artistic merit and popular appeal.

Why It Matters

The Critics' Choice Awards play a pivotal role in shaping the awards season narrative, influencing both public perception and Oscar momentum. Their broad voting body and early timing make them a reliable barometer of critical consensus.

• Oscar Predictor: The Critics' Choice Awards have correctly predicted the Best Picture Oscar winner in 17 of the past 20 years, including 2023.
• Critical Influence: Winners often see a surge in viewership and streaming numbers, especially for independent films like 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'.
• Industry Recognition: A Critics' Choice win enhances an actor's or filmmaker's reputation, often leading to higher-profile projects and negotiations.
• Media Coverage: Extensive press coverage amplifies visibility, helping smaller films compete with major studio releases.
• Historic Ties: The 2023 tie in Best Actress between Cate Blanchett and Michelle Yeoh was only the second tie in the award's history, highlighting its rarity.
• Global Reach: Broadcast on The CW and streamed internationally, the ceremony reaches millions of viewers worldwide, boosting global awareness.

As a bridge between critical acclaim and mainstream success, the 28th Critics' Choice Awards underscored the power of diverse storytelling and solidified its place in the awards ecosystem.