LOS ANGELES — Stars gathered at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel on Sunday and dressed to the nines for the second-biggest show of the awards season, the Critics’ Choice Awards.
“Everything Everywhere All At Ones” emerged as the favorite of the night, winning five of its 14 nominated categories. “Abbott Elementary” star Sheryl Lee Ralph won best supporting actress and gave another powerful speech — while Angela Bassett and Niecy Nash both won supporting actress trophies for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “Dahmer – Monster.” : The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” respectively.
A lot happened during the broadcast, but there was even more action in the ballroom that didn’t make it to TV. From the stars regaling each other with selfies to emotional backstage moments, here’s what went down.
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In typical critics’ choice fashion, the second the broadcast hit the commercial break, the stars jumped to their feet, practically crossing the ballroom to schmooze and jive with the other celebs.
During a break, Angela Bassett chatted with Janelle Monae. Keegan-Michael Key and his wife, Elle Key, went to the “Abbott Elementary” desk to chat with Quinta Brunson and Lisa Ann Walter. And Stephanie Hsu from “Everything Everywhere All At Once” shared a hearty laugh with Jenny Slate in “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 on the side of the ballroom, talking in hushed tones and animated expressions. At the end of the conversation, the two took a selfie.
For some stars, the show was a romantic date night. Kaley Cuoco, sporting a growing baby bump, spent most of the night with her partner Tom Belfrey. During an intermission, a guest asked Belfrey to take a photo with Cuoco, which the actor happily agreed to. Nash also worked the red carpet with his wife, Jessica Betts. Both got married in 2020.
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Adrenaline was palpable during the show, as ecstatic stars clutched their trophies and delivered heartfelt speeches for the world to see.
That intensity carried over backstage in the media room, where winners were immediately prompted to ask questions and think about what their wins meant.
After winning the award for Best Supporting Actor, “Everything Everywhere All At Once” star Kae Hui Kwan became emotional with reporters, saying the recognition exceeded his wildest dreams.
“I want a job,” he said, his voice weak and heart “still beating.”
“I’m so lucky,” he added, tears welling up in his eyes. “I remember very well being an Asian actor in the late 80s and early 90s. I want doors to be opened for all actors like me who want nothing more than a steady job. Their dreams come true.”
Kwan wasn’t the only one grateful. Ralph, winner of Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, became emotional as she spoke about her late parents. “If they can see me from heaven, ‘Thank you, Mom and Dad, because this is for you,'” she said, raising the cup to the sky.
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in? vibrations. outside? New Year’s Resolutions
New Year, same celebrities? On the red carpet, stars including Kerry Washington and Ayo Edebiri told USA Today that they’re not really into resolutions, at least not until 2023.
“I’m big on goals for the year,” Washington says. Many share the same sentiment, eschewing the age-old tradition of setting big personal goals at the top of the year.
Kate Hudson said, “I decided not to make resolutions … I’m not doing any of that this year, I’m going to get hot.”
“All American” star Pre-Z tells us her resolution is to “eat better,” but that’s not exactly what happened. Why? “I don’t like it,” Pre-Z says with a laugh. Along with a better sleep schedule, co-star Samantha Logan shared that she’s also trying to eat better in the New Year, but at the end of the day, the two agree it’s all about balance.
“The plan is to be happy. Whatever makes you happy,” says Pre-Z. “Life is about balance.”
Logan adds: “My body is going to fluctuate and my skin is going to do what it wants to do, and that’s what makes me human, and I don’t really care.”
Edipiri says she hasn’t made any resolutions either, but being “in” this year has been “good for me.” What’s up with “The Bear” star? Screen time, especially TikTok.
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The Critics’ Choice crowd is the A-list, but the menu isn’t
What are A-list celebs being served for dinner at the Critics’ Choice Awards? Definitely not a five course meal.
Each table had plenty of Fiji water, a couple of bottles of wine and a large bottle of champagne. The food options weren’t as plentiful as the drink selection, though: in addition to a basket of crackers at each table, celebrities were treated to an array of dips, including hummus and baba ganoush.
If the hummus wasn’t filling enough, there was plenty of Gold Stone ice cream to go around. In addition to a mini ice cream stand outside the ballroom, Gold Stone cups were also passed inside during commercial breaks.
It was only after the show that the stars finally had to indulge in some more food. After the broadcast, the stars exited the ballroom to find the reception overflowing with flatbreads, sushi rolls and dessert tables.
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