The Critics’ Choice Awards, a prestigious event celebrating cinematic excellence, was poised to mark its 30th anniversary with a grand live red carpet event. However, in light of the recent tragic wildfires in Los Angeles, the American-Canadian Critics Choice Association (CCA) has made the difficult decision to cancel the live red carpet segment. This year’s awards show, which honors achievements across a wide array of categories—from Best Picture and Best Director to Best Makeup and Best Visual Effects—will still proceed, albeit without the usual fanfare of a red carpet.
Originally scheduled for January 12, the ceremony faced delays due to the wildfires that raged perilously close to its venue at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. After two postponements, the event has now been rescheduled for February 7, 2025, with comedian Chelsea Handler set to host. While the show will still air on E!, the cancellation of the two-hour red carpet special has left many fans disappointed, as this segment is often a highlight of the awards season, showcasing the glamour and style of Hollywood’s elite.
The decision to forgo the red carpet has sparked a range of reactions on social media. Many users expressed their concern for the safety of those affected by the fires, with one commenter urging, “Stay safe, Southern California.” Others suggested that the ceremony should be relocated to a different state, with proposals to hold it in New York or another city. Some critics voiced that hosting a lavish event amidst the backdrop of devastation would be inappropriate, highlighting the sensitivity of the situation.
Despite the absence of the red carpet, the awards ceremony promises to be an exciting affair, with a robust lineup of nominations. This year, the films “Conclave” and “Wicked” lead the pack, each garnering an impressive 11 nominations. “Conclave” has been recognized in several major categories, including Best Picture and Best Acting Ensemble. Notable performances have earned Ralph Fiennes a nomination for Best Actor and Isabella Rossellini for Best Supporting Actress. Additionally, Edward Berger is in contention for Best Director, while Peter Straughan is nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay.
“Wicked,” a film adaptation of the beloved musical, has also cast a spell over the awards season. Its nominations include Best Picture, Best Acting Ensemble, and individual nods for stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who are up for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively. Director Jon M. Chu is recognized for his work in the Best Director category, while the screenplay by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox has also earned accolades.
The technical categories are equally competitive, with “Conclave” and “Wicked” both showcasing exceptional talent. For “Conclave,” nominations extend to Suzie Davies for Best Production Design, Nick Emerson for Best Editing, and Lisy Christl for Best Costume Design. The film’s score, composed by Volker Bertelmann, is also in the running for recognition. Meanwhile, “Wicked” boasts nominations for Best Cinematography, with Alice Brooks in contention, and a strong showing in the hair and makeup categories, thanks to the team of Frances Hannon, Sarah Nuth, and Laura Blount.
As the awards ceremony approaches, the excitement surrounding the nominations continues to build, even as the traditional red carpet festivities are set aside. The Critics’ Choice Awards remain a significant event in the film industry, celebrating the hard work and creativity of filmmakers and performers alike. While the glamour of the red carpet will be missed, the focus will shift to honoring the remarkable achievements in cinema that have defined the past year.
