LOS ANGELES — Stars gathered at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel on Sunday to dress to the nines for the second biggest show of the awards season. Critics’ Choice Award.
“Everything everywhere at once” Knight emerged as the favorite, clinching five of its 14 nominated categories. “Abbott Elementary” the star Sherrill Lee Ralph Won Best Supporting Actress and Gave another powerful speech – Angela Bassett and Niecy Ness did, when they both won supporting actress trophies “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “Asphalt – Monster: The Jeffrey Asphalt Story” respectively.
A lot happened during the telecast, but even more action took place in the ballroom that wasn’t on TV. From stars hyping each other up with selfies to emotional backstage moments, here’s what happened.
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Amanda Seyfried takes a selfie with Paul Walter Hauser, Kaley Cuoco and Tom Pelphrey on date night
In typical Critics’ Choice fashion, the second telecast hit a commercial break, with the stars jumping to their feet, practically leaving the ballroom to have fun and jive with the other celebrities.
During a break, Angela Bassett chatted up Janelle Monae. Keegan-Michael Keys and his wife Elle Keys hit the “Abbott Elementary” table to chat with Quinta Brunson and Lisa Ann Walter. And Stephanie Hsu from “Everything Everywhere All at Ones” shares a hearty laugh with Jenny Slate from “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.”
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After winning their respective trophies for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television, Amanda Seyfried and Paul Walter Hauser stood at the edge of the ballroom and spoke in hushed tones and animated expressions. At the end of the conversation, both took a selfie.
For some stars, the show served as a romantic date night. Kaley Cuoco, sporting a growing baby bump, spent most of the night with her partner Tom Pelfrey. During a break, a guest asked Pelfrey to take a picture of himself with Cuoco, which the actor happily obliged. Ness also worked the red carpet alongside his wife Jessica Bates. Both of them got married in 2020.
Kae Hye Kwan struggles to hold back tears backstage
The adrenaline was palpable during the show, as excited stars claimed their trophies and gave heartfelt speeches for the world to see.
That intensity was brought backstage in the media room, where the winners were immediately prompted to take questions and reflect on what their victory meant.
After winning the Best Supporting Actor award, “Everything Everywhere All At Once” star Kay Hue Kwan became emotional while talking to reporters, saying the recognition exceeded his biggest dreams.
“I just wanted a job,” he said, his voice and heart “still beating.”
“I’m very lucky,” she added, tears welling in her eyes. “I remember very well what it was like to be an Asian actor in the late 80s and early 90s. I just want the door to be open for all those actors like me who want nothing more than steady work, and I just want everyone. Their dreams Let it come true.”
Kwan was not alone in feeling great gratitude. Ralph, winner of Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, became emotional when talking about her late parents. “If they’re able to see me from heaven, say, ‘Thank you, Mom and Dad, because this is for you,’ ” she said, raising her trophy to the sky.
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in? vibes. outside? New Year’s Resolutions
New year, same celebrities? On the red carpet, stars including Kerry Washington and Ayo Adebiri told USA Today that they’re not really committed, at least not for 2023.
“I’m big on intentions for the year,” says Washington. Many share the same sentiment, forgetting the age-old tradition of setting big personal goals at the top of the year.
Kate Hudson says she’s “decided not to make resolutions … I’m not doing any of that this year, I’m going to come in hot.”
“All American” star Bray-Z tells us her resolution was to “eat better,” but it’s not going too well. Why? “I don’t think so,” Bre-Z says with a laugh. Co-star Samantha Logan shared that she was trying to eat better in the New Year, as well as schedule better sleep, but at the end of the day, the pair agreed it’s all about balance.
“The plan is to be happy. Whatever makes you happy,” Bray-Z says. “Life is about balance.”
Adds Logan: “My body is going to have ups and downs, and my skin is going to do what it wants to do, and that’s what makes me human, and I don’t care anymore.”
Edibiri says she has not made any resolutions either, but what is “me” for her this year is “good for me.” What’s next for the star of “The Bear”? Screen time, especially TikTok.
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The Critics’ Choice crowd was A-list, but the menu wasn’t
What are A-list celebrities served for dinner at the Critics’ Choice Awards? Definitely not a five-course meal.
Each table was filled with plenty of fizzy water, two bottles of wine and a large bottle of champagne. The food options weren’t as plentiful as the beverage selection, though: In addition to a cracker basket at each table, the celebrities feasted on an array of dips, including hummus and baba ganoush.
If the hummus wasn’t filling enough, there was plenty of cold stone ice cream to go around. In addition to a mini ice cream stand just outside the ballroom, Cold Stone Cups also popped in during commercial breaks.
It wasn’t until later in the show when the stars finally indulged in a little more indulgence. As the telecast ended, the stars exited the ballroom to find flatbreads, sushi rolls and dessert tables in the reception area.
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