SERIES NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 26TH ANNUAL CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS
“OZARK” AND “THE CROWN” LEAD WITH SIX NOMINATIONS EACH
Netflix Earns 26 Nominations, HBO Follows Closely with 24
Taye Diggs Will Host the Ceremony Airing on The CW on Sunday, March 7
(Burbank, CA – January 18, 2021) – The Critics Choice Association (CCA) announced today the series nominees for the 26th annual Critics Choice Awards. The winners will be revealed LIVE on The CW on Sunday, March 7, 2021 from 7-10pm ET/PT, with acclaimed film, television, and stage star Taye Diggs returning to host for his third consecutive time. The show will continue its combined Film and Television awards format, honoring the finest in both cinematic and televised/streaming achievement. Film nominees will be revealed on February 8, and the format of this year’s event will be announced at a later date, as health and safety guidelines are taken into consideration.
This year, two Netflix series lead the pack, with “Ozark” and “The Crown” each up for six awards including Best Drama Series. “Ozark” stars Jason Bateman and Laura Linney will vie for Best Actor in a Drama Series and Best Actress in a Drama Series respectively, while Tom Pelphrey, Julia Garner, and Janet McTeer are all nominated for their supporting roles. “The Crown” also saw many of its royal players recognized. Josh O’Connor is nominated for Best Actor in a Drama Series, while Olivia Colman and Emma Corrin find themselves together in the Best Actress in a Drama Series category. Tobias Menzies and Gillian Anderson received recognition for their supporting roles.
Several other series had especially strong showings with “Lovecraft Country” (HBO), “Mrs. America” (FX), “Schitt’s Creek” (Pop), and “What We Do In The Shadows” (FX) each earning five nominations, and “Better Call Saul” (AMC) and “The Plot Against America” (HBO) both up for four awards. Netflix earned the most nominations overall, with a total of 26, followed closely by HBO/HBO Max with 24.
“We are so thrilled to be celebrating the incredible work that was released during this extended season,” said Critics Choice Association CEO Joey Berlin. “In a year when the need for entertainment was undeniable, the industry rallied to deliver beautiful series that delighted us, educated us, challenged us, and most importantly, brought us all together.”
Critics Choice Awards are bestowed annually to honor the finest in cinematic and television achievement. Historically, they are the most-accurate predictor of Academy Award nominations
The 26th annual Critics Choice Awards show will be produced by Bob Bain Productions and Berlin Entertainment. The CCA is represented by Dan Black of Greenberg Traurig.
Follow the 26th annual Critics Choice Awards on Twitter and Instagram @CriticsChoice and on Facebook/CriticsChoiceAwards. Join the conversation using #CriticsChoiceAwards.
About the Critics Choice Association (CCA) The Critics Choice Association is the largest critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 400 television, radio and online critics and entertainment reporters. It was established in 2019 with the formal merger of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association, recognizing the blurring of the distinctions between film, television, and streaming content. For more information, visit: www.CriticsChoice.com.
About The CW THE CW TELEVISION NETWORK, a joint venture between Warner Bros. and CBS, launched in 2006. The CW is a multiplatform network that broadcasts a six-night 12-hour primetime lineup, Sunday through Friday and streams its ad-supported content, free, without login or authentication on CWTV.com and The CW app which is available on every major OTT platform. In daytime, The CW broadcasts a Monday through Friday afternoon block, and a three-hour Saturday morning kids block. The CW’s digital network, CW Seed, launched in 2013, and offers beloved limited-run series, as well as past seasons of recent fan-favorite television shows. For more information about the network and its programming, visit www.cwtvpr.com.
WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE INAUGURAL “CRITICS CHOICE SUPER AWARDS” HONORING SUPERHERO, SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY, HORROR, ACTION, AND ANIMATION MOVIES AND SERIES
“PALM SPRINGS” AND “SOUL” LED FILM WINS WITH THREE, “THE BOYS” LED SERIES WINS WITH FOUR
NETFLIX EARNED A TOTAL OF FIVE AWARDS
PATRICK STEWART AND SONEQUA MARTIN-GREEN ACCEPTED LEGACY AWARD FOR “STAR TREK” FRANCHISE
Kevin Smith and Dani Fernandez Hosted The CW Broadcast Special
(Los Angeles – January 10, 2021) – Tonight, the Critics Choice Association (CCA) announced the winners of the inaugural Critics Choice Super Awards during a special presentation broadcast on The CW. Produced remotely following COVID safety protocols, the ceremony was hosted by writer/director/podcaster Kevin Smith and actress/writer Dani Fernandez, and honored the most popular, fan-obsessed genres across both television and movies, including Superhero/Comic Book, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Horror, Action and Animation. The full show will be available to stream for free on The CW App and cwtv.com starting tomorrow.
Hulu and NEON’s “Palm Springs” and Disney+’s “Soul” led the film winners, each earning three trophies. “Palm Springs” was recognized for Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie, Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie (Andy Samberg), and Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie (Cristin Milioti). “Soul” earned Best Animated Movie, as well as Best Voice Actor in an Animated Movie (Jamie Foxx) and Best Voice Actress in an Animated Movie (Tina Fey).
In the series categories, Amazon’s “The Boys” took home the most awards, earning a total of four including Best Superhero Series, Best Actor in a Superhero Series (Antony Starr), Best Actress in a Superhero Series (Aya Cash), and Best Villain in a Series (Antony Starr). Starr was the only actor to take home multiple awards for his work.
With wins in both the film and series categories, Netflix led the studio/network count with a total of five.
The Critics Choice Association also presented the Legacy Award to the “Star Trek” franchise, recognizing the cultural impact it has had across multiple decades while continuing to
appeal to and grow its loyal fanbase with new stories and characters. “Star Trek” icon Patrick Stewart, and “Star Trek: Discovery” trailblazer Sonequa Martin-Green were on-hand to accept this special honor, which came as the franchise celebrates its 55th anniversary.
The inaugural Critics Choice Super Awards show was produced by Bob Bain Productions. The CCA is represented by Dan Black of Greenberg Traurig.
Follow the Critics Choice Super Awards on Twitter and Instagram @CriticsChoice and on Facebook/CriticsChoiceAwards. Join the conversation using #CriticsChoice and #SuperAwards.
About the Critics Choice Association (CCA) The Critics Choice Association is the largest critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 400 television, radio and online critics and entertainment reporters. It was established in 2019 with the formal merger of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association, recognizing the blurring of the distinctions between film, television, and streaming content. For more information, visit: www.CriticsChoice.com.
About The CW THE CW TELEVISION NETWORK, a joint venture between Warner Bros. and CBS, launched in 2006. The CW is a multiplatform network that broadcasts a six-night 12-hour primetime lineup, Sunday through Friday and streams its ad-supported content, free, without login or authentication on CWTV.com and The CW app which is available on every major OTT platform. In daytime, The CW broadcasts a Monday through Friday afternoon block, and a three-hour Saturday morning kids block. The CW’s digital network, CW Seed, launched in 2013, and offers beloved limited-run series, as well as past seasons of recent fan-favorite television shows. For more information about the network and its programming, visit www.cwtvpr.com.
FILM WINNERS FOR THE INAUGURAL CRITICS CHOICE SUPER AWARDS
BEST ACTION MOVIE Da 5 Bloods (Netflix)
BEST ACTOR IN AN ACTION MOVIE Delroy Lindo – Da 5 Bloods (Netflix)
BEST ACTRESS IN AN ACTION MOVIE Betty Gilpin – The Hunt (Universal)
BEST ANIMATED MOVIE Soul (Disney+)
BEST VOICE ACTOR IN AN ANIMATED MOVIE Jamie Foxx – Soul (Disney+)
BEST VOICE ACTRESS IN AN ANIMATED MOVIE Tina Fey – Soul (Disney+)
BEST SUPERHERO MOVIE* The Old Guard (Netflix)
BEST ACTOR IN A SUPERHERO MOVIE* Ewan McGregor – Birds of Prey (Warner Bros.)
BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPERHERO MOVIE* Margot Robbie – Birds of Prey (Warner Bros.)
BEST HORROR MOVIE The Invisible Man (Universal)
BEST ACTOR IN A HORROR MOVIE Vince Vaughn – Freaky (Universal)
BEST ACTRESS IN A HORROR MOVIE Elisabeth Moss – The Invisible Man (Universal)
BEST SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY MOVIE Palm Springs (Hulu and NEON)
BEST ACTOR IN A SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY MOVIE Andy Samberg – Palm Springs (Hulu and NEON)
BEST ACTRESS IN A SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY MOVIE Cristin Milioti – Palm Springs (Hulu and NEON)
BEST VILLAIN IN A MOVIE Jim Carrey – Sonic The Hedgehog (Paramount)
* Superhero categories also include Comic Book and Video Game Inspired Movies
WINNERS BY FILM FOR THE INAUGURAL CRITICS CHOICE SUPER AWARDS
Birds of Prey (Warner Bros.) – 2 Best Actor in a Superhero Movie – Ewan McGregor Best Actress in a Superhero Movie – Margot Robbie
Da 5 Bloods (Netflix) – 2 Best Action Movie Best Actor in an Action Movie – Delroy Lindo
Freaky (Universal) – 1 Best Actor in a Horror Movie – Vince Vaughn
Palm Springs (Hulu and NEON) – 3 Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie – Andy Samberg Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie – Cristin Milioti
Sonic The Hedgehog (Paramount) – 1 Best Villain in a Movie – Jim Carrey
Soul (Disney+) – 3 Best Voice Actor in an Animated Movie – Jamie Foxx Best Voice Actress in an Animated Movie – Tina Fey Best Animated Movie
The Hunt (Universal) – 1 Best Actress in an Action Movie – Betty Gilpin
The Invisible Man (Universal) – 2 Best Horror Movie Best Actress in a Horror Movie – Elisabeth Moss
The Old Guard (Netflix) – 1 Best Superhero Movie
SERIES WINNERS FOR THE INAUGURAL CRITICS CHOICE SUPER AWARDS
BEST ACTION SERIES Vikings (History)
BEST ACTOR IN AN ACTION SERIES Daveed Diggs – Snowpiercer (TNT)
BEST ACTRESS IN AN ACTION SERIES Angela Bassett – 9-1-1 (Fox)
BEST ANIMATED SERIES BoJack Horseman (Netflix)
BEST VOICE ACTOR IN AN ANIMATED SERIES Will Arnett – BoJack Horseman (Netflix)
BEST VOICE ACTRESS IN AN ANIMATED SERIES Kaley Cuoco – Harley Quinn (HBO Max)
BEST SUPERHERO SERIES* The Boys (Amazon)
BEST ACTOR IN A SUPERHERO SERIES* Antony Starr – The Boys (Amazon)
BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPERHERO SERIES* Aya Cash – The Boys (Amazon)
BEST HORROR SERIES Lovecraft Country (HBO)
BEST ACTOR IN A HORROR SERIES Jensen Ackles – Supernatural (The CW)
BEST ACTRESS IN A HORROR SERIES Jurnee Smollett – Lovecraft Country (HBO)
BEST SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY SERIES The Mandalorian (Disney+)
BEST ACTOR IN A SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY SERIES Patrick Stewart – Star Trek: Picard (CBS All Access)
BEST ACTRESS IN A SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY SERIES Natasia Demetriou – What We Do in the Shadows (FX)
BEST VILLAIN IN A SERIES Antony Starr – The Boys (Amazon)
* Superhero categories also include Comic Book and Video Game Inspired Series
WINNERS BY SERIES FOR THE INAUGURAL CRITICS CHOICE SUPER AWARDS
9-1-1 (Fox) – 1 Best Actress in an Action Series – Angela Bassett
BoJack Horseman (Netflix) – 2 Best Animated Series Best Voice Actor in an Animated Series – Will Arnett
Harley Quinn (HBO Max) – 1 Best Voice Actress in an Animated Series – Kaley Cuoco
Lovecraft Country (HBO) – 2 Best Horror Series Best Actress in a Horror Series – Jurnee Smollett
Snowpiercer (TNT) – 1 Best Actor in an Action Series – Daveed Diggs
Star Trek: Picard (CBS All Access) – 1 Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series – Patrick Stewart
Supernatural (The CW) – 1 Best Actor in a Horror Series – Jensen Ackles
The Boys (Amazon) – 4 Best Superhero Series Best Actor in a Superhero Series – Antony Starr Best Actress in a Superhero Series – Aya Cash Best Villain in a Series – Antony Starr
The Mandalorian (Disney+) – 1 Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Series
Vikings (History) – 1 Best Action Series
What We Do in the Shadows (FX) – 1 Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series – Natasia Demetriou
WINNERS BY NETWORK/STUDIO FOR THE INAUGURAL CRITICS CHOICE SUPER AWARDS
Netflix – 5 Amazon – 4 Disney+ – 4 Universal – 4 HBO / HBO Max – 3 Hulu – 3 NEON – 3 Warner Bros. – 2 CBS All Access – 1 Fox – 1 FX – 1 History – 1 Paramount – 1 The CW – 1 TNT – 1
TIFFANY HADDISH, SAM HEUGHAN, RALPH MACCHIO, JARED PADALECKI, AYA CASH, MIKE COLTER, BRANDON ROUTH, AND MORE TO PRESENT AT INAUGURAL “CRITICS CHOICE SUPER AWARDS”
Kevin Smith and Dani Fernandez To Host Special Airing on The CW on January 10, 2021
(Los Angeles – January 6, 2021) – The Critics Choice Association (CCA) announced today the incredible line-up of talent that will join hosts Kevin Smith and Dani Fernandez at the inaugural Critics Choice Super Awards, helping them to honor the most popular, fan-obsessed genres across both television and movies, including Superhero/Comic Book, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Horror, Action and Animation. Shohreh Aghdashloo, Aya Cash, Madelyn Cline, Mike Colter, Colman Domingo, Tom Ellis, Courtney Ford, Tiffany Haddish, Sam Heughan, Maddison Jaizani, Lennie James, Martin Kove, Javicia Leslie, Leah Lewis, Caity Lotz, Ralph Macchio, Kennedy McMann, Elizabeth Mitchell, Lindsey Morgan, Bob Morley, Genevieve Padalecki, Jared Padalecki, Brandon Routh, Chase Stokes, Eliza Taylor, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, and William Zabka, will all serve as presenters during the special ceremony, which will air on The CW Network on Sunday, January 10, 2021 (8:00-10:00pm ET/PT) and will stream the next day for free on The CW App and cwtv.com.
“We know that the Super Awards are in the best hands with Kevin Smith and Dani Fernandez at the helm,” said Critics Choice Association CEO Joey Berlin. “They bring with them an unparalleled knowledge of and enthusiasm for these sometimes underappreciated genres that we know fans and viewers will love. They are joined by a stellar line-up of fan favorites who will be on hand to support their ‘Super’ colleagues and help showcase the very best in popular entertainment.”
The Critics Choice Association will also present the Legacy Award to the “Star Trek” franchise, recognizing the cultural impact it has had across multiple decades while continuing to appeal to and grow its loyal fanbase with new stories and characters. “Star Trek” icon Patrick Stewart, and “Star Trek: Discovery” trailblazer Sonequa Martin-Green will personally accept this special honor, which comes as the franchise celebrates its 55th anniversary.
Hulu and NEON’s “Palm Springs” leads this year’s film nominees, with a total of five including Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie, Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie for Andy Samberg, Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie and Best Villain in a Movie for J.K. Simmons, and Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie for Cristin Milioti. Several films followed close behind with four nominations including “Birds of Prey” (Warner Bros.), “Freaky” (Universal), “Onward” (Disney+), “Sonic the Hedgehog” (Paramount), “The Hunt” (Universal), “The Old Guard” (Netflix), and “The Willoughbys” (Netflix).
“Lovecraft Country” (HBO) received the most television nominations, with a total of six possible wins, including Best Horror Series, Best Actor in a Horror Series for Jonathan Majors, Best Actor in a Horror Series for Michael K. Williams, Best Actress in a Horror Series for Wunmi Mosaku, Best Actress in a Horror Series for Jurnee Smollett, and Best Villain in a Series for Abbey Lee. Amazon’s “The Boys” received five nominations including Best Superhero/Comic Book Series, Best Actor in a Superhero/Comic Book Series and Best Villain in a Series for Antony Starr, Best Actor in a Superhero/Comic Book Series for Karl Urban, and Best Actress in a Superhero/Comic Book Series for Aya Cash.
For the full list of nominees, and additional information, scroll down.
Kevin Smith has been saying silly cinematic shit since 1994’s “Clerks.” 2021 marks the 27th year since the last time he had a real job. A polygamist, he’s married to both his wife, Jen, and podcasting.
Writer, comedian, and actress Dani Fernandez is a frequent speaker at San Diego Comic Con, LA Comic Con, and New York Comic Con and has been a panelist for The CW’s “Crisis Aftermath.” She has hosted for E!, Disney, Nerdist, Skybound, Funimation, and iHeartRadio, among others. She can currently be seen on Syfy’s “The Great Debate” and in Disney’s “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” playing herself. She is also an accomplished television writer with credits at Netflix and HBO Max.
The inaugural Critics Choice Super Awards show will be produced by Bob Bain Productions. The CCA is represented by Dan Black of Greenberg Traurig.
Follow the Critics Choice Super Awards on Twitter and Instagram @CriticsChoice and on Facebook/CriticsChoiceAwards.
About the Critics Choice Association (CCA) The Critics Choice Association is the largest critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 400 television, radio and online critics and entertainment reporters. It was established in 2019 with the formal merger of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association, recognizing the blurring of the distinctions between film, television, and streaming content. For more information, visit: www.CriticsChoice.com.
About The CW THE CW TELEVISION NETWORK, a joint venture between Warner Bros. and CBS, launched in 2006. The CW is a multiplatform network that broadcasts a six-night 12-hour primetime lineup, Sunday through Friday and streams its ad-supported content, free, without login or authentication on CWTV.com and The CW app which is available on every major OTT platform. In daytime, The CW broadcasts a Monday through Friday afternoon block, and a three-hour Saturday morning kids block. The CW’s digital network, CW Seed, launched in 2013, and offers beloved limited-run series, as well as past seasons of recent fan-favorite television shows. For more information about the network and its programming, visit www.cwtvpr.com.
David Sheehan, who was known respectfully as the “Dean of Hollywood Entertainment Reporters,” died last week. He was 82.
One of the founding members of the Critics Choice Association and a nationally known member of the film community, Sheehan began his career in 1970 with CBS. He worked there as an entertainment interviewer for 14 years before moving to NBC for a decade, and later returned to CBS for another 10 years.
It was widely appreciated that Sheehan never met an actor or a director he didn’t like, and he developed friendships with some of the most famous moviemakers in Hollywood.
In 2019, after receiving his cancer diagnosis, Sheehan gathered together a collection of his favorite interviews conducted with 33 Oscar winning superstars, which he called “And the Winners Are!” This video is available online on Prime Video.
David Sheehan is survived by his children Brian, Shannon, Kelly, and a grandchild.
NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE INAUGURAL “CRITICS CHOICE SUPER AWARDS” HONORING SUPERHERO, SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY, HORROR, ACTION, AND ANIMATION MOVIES AND SERIES
PATRICK STEWART AND SONEQUA MARTIN-GREEN TO ACCEPT LEGACY AWARD FOR “STAR TREK” FRANCHISE
“PALM SPRINGS” LEADS FILM NODS WITH FIVE POSSIBLE WINS, “LOVECRAFT COUNTRY” LEADS SERIES NOMINATIONS WITH SIX
NETFLIX GARNERS A TOTAL 35 NOMINATIONS
Kevin Smith and Dani Fernandez To Host Special Airing on The CW on January 10, 2021
(Los Angeles – November 19, 2020) – The Critics Choice Association (CCA) announced today the nominees for the inaugural Critics Choice Super Awards, a special event honoring the most popular, fan-obsessed genres across both television and movies, including Superhero, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Horror, Action and Animation. The winners will be revealed in a special television presentation, which will be produced remotely following COVID safety protocols, hosted by writer/director/podcaster Kevin Smith andactress/writer Dani Fernandez. The ceremony will air on The CW Network on Sunday, January 10, 2021 (8:00-10:00pm ET/PT) and will stream the next day for free on The CW App and cwtv.com.
The Critics Choice Association will also present the Legacy Award to the “Star Trek” franchise, recognizing the cultural impact it has had across multiple decades while continuing to appeal to and grow its loyal fanbase with new stories and characters. “Star Trek” icon Patrick Stewart, and “Star Trek: Discovery” trailblazer Sonequa Martin-Green will personally accept this special honor, which comes as the franchise celebrates its 55th anniversary.
Hulu and NEON’s “Palm Springs” leads this year’s film nominees, with a total of five including Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie, Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie for Andy Samberg, Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie and Best Villain in a Movie for J.K. Simmons, and Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie for Cristin Milioti. Several films followed close behind with four nominations including “Birds of Prey” (Warner Bros.), “Freaky” (Universal), “Onward” (Disney+), “Sonic the Hedgehog” (Paramount), “The Hunt” (Universal), “The Old Guard” (Netflix), and “The Willoughbys” (Netflix).
“Lovecraft Country” (HBO) received the most television nominations, with a total of six possible wins, including Best Horror Series, Best Actor in a Horror Series for Jonathan Majors, Best Actor in a Horror Series for Michael K. Williams, Best Actress in a Horror Series for Wunmi Mosaku, Best Actress in a Horror Series for Jurnee Smollett, and Best Villain in a Series for Abbey Lee. Amazon’s “The Boys” received five nominations including Best Superhero Series, Best Actor in a Superhero Series and Best Villain in a Series for Antony Starr, Best Actor in a Superhero Series for Karl Urban, and Best Actress in a Superhero Series for Aya Cash.
Several performers received recognition for both their film and television work. Hilary Swank was nominated for Best Actress in an Action Movie and Best Villain in a Movie for “The Hunt” (Universal), as well as Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series for “Away” (Netflix), making her the most nominated individual. Maya Rudolph was nominated for Best Voice Actress in an Animated Movie for “The Willoughbys” (Netflix) as well as Best Voice Actress in an Animated Series for “Big Mouth” (Netflix). Jurnee Smollett was nominated for Actress in a Superhero Movie for “Birds of Prey” (Warner Bros.) and Best Actress in a Horror Series for “Lovecraft Country” (HBO).
“What a celebration this is going to be!” said Critics Choice Association CEO Joey Berlin. “We are so pleased to be spotlighting the brilliant work of so many artists who bring to life some of the most engaging and beloved movies and television series! We are certain that Kevin and Dani will serve as tremendous hosts, who, as fans themselves, will bring energy and enthusiasm to the stage, as we honor these genres that so often go overlooked and underappreciated.”
The inaugural Critics Choice Super Awards show will be produced by Bob Bain Productions. The CCA is represented by Dan Black of Greenberg Traurig.
Follow the Critics Choice Super Awards on Twitter and Instagram @CriticsChoice and on Facebook/CriticsChoiceAwards.
About the Critics Choice Association (CCA) The Critics Choice Association is the largest critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 400 television, radio and online critics and entertainment reporters. It was organized last year with the formal merger of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association, recognizing the blurring of the distinctions between film, television, and streaming content. For more information, visit: www.CriticsChoice.com.
About The CW THE CW TELEVISION NETWORK, a joint venture between Warner Bros. and CBS, launched in 2006. The CW is a multiplatform network that broadcasts a six-night 12-hour primetime lineup, Sunday through Friday and streams its ad-supported content, free, without login or authentication on CWTV.com and The CW app which is available on every major OTT platform. In daytime, The CW broadcasts a Monday through Friday afternoon block, and a three-hour Saturday morning kids block. The CW’s digital network, CW Seed, launched in 2013, and offers beloved limited-run series, as well as past seasons of recent fan-favorite television shows. For more information about the network and its programming, visit www.cwtvpr.com.
Fifth Annual Critics Choice Documentary Award Winners Revealed
Dick Johnson is Dead Named Best Documentary Feature and Kirsten Johnson Wins for Best Director
My Octopus Teacher Wins Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Science/Nature Documentary
(Los Angeles, CA – November 16, 2020) – The Critics Choice Association (CCA) has unveiled the winners of the fifth annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards, which recognize the year’s finest achievements in documentaries released in theaters, on TV and on major digital platforms, as determined by the voting of qualified CCA members.
Dick Johnson is Dead takes home the most prestigious award for Best Documentary Feature as well as Best Director for Kirsten Johnson.
My Octopus Teacher wins the awards for Best Cinematography and Best Science/Nature Documentary.
“We couldn’t be more excited about being able to celebrate such a diverse group of films and filmmakers and subjects this year of all years, on the fifth occasion of the CCDAs, and with 2020 being what it is,” said Christopher Campbell, President of the Critics Choice Association Documentary Branch. “The world needs this variety of storytelling now more than ever, and all of these documentaries moved us in unique ways. We are proud that we could still support these films and share the best of the best with nonfiction fans. Our only regret is that we couldn’t do so while also honoring the talented artists and their incredible work in person.”
Though this year’s gala event was not held in person due to the ongoing pandemic, special acceptance videos from each of the winners can be found by clicking their links below.
To view ALL of the acceptance videos, please click HERE.
To learn more about the Critics Choice Documentary Awards, see the full list of nominees, and all of the winner acceptance speeches, visit the Critics Choice Association website.
The winners of the fifth annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards are:
MOST COMPELLING LIVING SUBJECTS OF A DOCUMENTARY (HONOR) Dr. Rick Bright – Totally Under Control (Neon) Steven Garza – Boys State (Apple) The Go-Go’s – The Go-Go’s (Showtime) Judith Heumann – Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (Netflix) Dick Johnson – Dick Johnson is Dead (Netflix) Maggie Nichols, Rachael Denhollander, Jamie Dantzscher – Athlete A (Netflix) Fox Rich – Time (Amazon) Pete Souza – The Way I See It (Focus Features) Taylor Swift – Miss Americana (Netflix) Greta Thunberg – I Am Greta (Hulu)
About CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS
The Critics Choice Documentary Awards are an off-shoot of The Critics Choice Awards, which are bestowed annually by the CCA to honor the finest in cinematic and televised/streaming achievement. Historically, the Critics Choice Awards are the most-accurate predictor of the Academy Award nominations.
The 26th annual Critics Choice Awards will air LIVE on The CW Network on Sunday, March 7, 2021, with acclaimed film, television, and stage star Taye Diggs returning to host for his third consecutive time. The show will continue its combined Film and Television awards format, honoring the finest in both cinematic and televised/streaming achievement.
About CRITICS CHOICE ASSOCIATION (CCA)
The Critics Choice Association is the largest critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 400 television, radio and online critics and entertainment reporters. It was organized last year with the formal merger of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association, recognizing the blurring of the distinctions between film, television, and streaming content. For more information, visit: www.CriticsChoice.com.
For press inquiries and more information, please contact: Laura Danford Mandel LDM|PR [email protected] 917-848-1460
CRIP CAMP: A DISABILITY REVOLUTION, GUNDA, AND Mr. SOUL! LEAD THE NOMINATIONS
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF AWARD WINNERS ON NOVEMBER 16, 2020
Los Angeles, CA (Monday, October 26, 2020) — The Critics Choice Association(CCA) has announced the nominees for the fifth annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards (CCDA). The winners will be revealed in a Special Announcement on Monday, November 16, 2020.
The Critics Choice Association will once again be honoring the year’s finest achievements in documentaries released in theaters, on TV and on major digital platforms, as determined by the voting of qualified CCA members.
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, Gunda, and Mr. SOUL! lead this year’s nominations with five each.
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution is nominated for Best Documentary Feature, James Lebrecht and Nicole Newnham for Best Director, Best Editing, Best Archival Documentary, and Best Historical/Biography Documentary. The film also received an honor for Judith Heumann for Most Compelling Living Subject of a Documentary.
Gunda is nominated for Best Documentary Feature, Victor Kossakovsky for Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Science/Nature Documentary.
Mr. SOUL! is nominated for Best Documentary Feature, Best First Documentary Feature, Best Narration, Best Archival Documentary, and Best Historical/Biographical Documentary.
Recognized with four nominations each are Athlete A, Dick Johnson is Dead, My Octopus Teacher, and Totally Under Control.
The nominations for Athlete A are Best Documentary Feature, Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk for Best Director, Best Editing, and Best Sports Documentary. Maggie Nichols, Rachael Denhollander, and Jamie Dantzscher are also being recognized with the honor of Most Compelling Living Subjects of a Documentary.
The nominations for Dick Johnson is Dead are Best Documentary Feature, Kirsten Johnson for Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Narration. The film also received an honor for Dick Johnson for Most Compelling Living Subject of a Documentary.
The nominations for My Octopus Teacher are Best Documentary Feature, Best Cinematography, Best Narration, and Best Science/Nature Documentary.
The nominations for Totally Under Control are Best Editing, Best Score, Best Narration, and Best Political Documentary. The film also received an honor for Dr. Rick Bright for Most Compelling Living Subject of a Documentary.
“At a unique time for the entertainment industry and the world, documentaries are more important and fortunately more abundant and more available and more essential than ever,” said Christopher Campbell, President of the Critics Choice Association Documentary Branch. “In 2020, documentaries have taken us to places and shown us perspectives we’ve never experienced before. They’ve chronicled events and life stories that are enlightening and enthralling – and sometimes frightening. It is a great honor for the CCA to celebrate these stories and subjects and shed light on the work of so many incredible filmmakers. The Documentary Branch faced its greatest task yet considering the quantity and quality of nonfiction cinema released this year. Ultimately, these nominees represent the best of the best of a remarkably fruitful moment for documentary filmmaking.”
At last year’s fourth annual CCDA event, Apollo 11 took home the evening’s most prestigious award for Best Documentary. Peter Jackson (They Shall Not Grow Old), and Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar (American Factory), tied for Best Director. American Factory also won the award for Best Political Documentary, and subsequently received many more accolades including the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
Los Angeles, CA (Monday, October 26, 2020) — The Critics Choice Association(CCA) has announced the nominees for the fifth annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards (CCDA). The winners will be revealed in a Special Announcement on Monday, November 16, 2020.
The Critics Choice Associationwill once again be honoring the year’s finest achievements in documentaries released in theaters, on TV and on major digital platforms, as determined by the voting of qualified CCA members.
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, Gunda, and Mr. SOUL! lead this year’s nominations with five each.
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution is nominated for Best Documentary Feature, James Lebrecht and Nicole Newnham for Best Director, Best Editing, Best Archival Documentary, and Best Historical/Biography Documentary. The film also received an honor for Judith Heumann for Most Compelling Living Subject of a Documentary.
Gunda is nominated for Best Documentary Feature, Victor Kossakovsky for Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Science/Nature Documentary.
Mr. SOUL! is nominated for Best Documentary Feature, Best First Documentary Feature, Best Narration, Best Archival Documentary, and Best Historical/Biographical Documentary.
Recognized with four nominations each are Athlete A, Dick Johnson is Dead, My Octopus Teacher, and Totally Under Control.
The nominations for Athlete A are Best Documentary Feature, Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk for Best Director, Best Editing, and Best Sports Documentary. Maggie Nichols, Rachael Denhollander, and Jamie Dantzscher are also being recognized with the honor of Most Compelling Living Subjects of a Documentary.
The nominations for Dick Johnson is Dead are Best Documentary Feature, Kirsten Johnson for Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Narration. The film also received an honor for Dick Johnson for Most Compelling Living Subject of a Documentary.
The nominations for My Octopus Teacher are Best Documentary Feature, Best Cinematography, Best Narration, and Best Science/Nature Documentary.
The nominations for Totally Under Control are Best Editing, Best Score, Best Narration, and Best Political Documentary. The film also received an honor for Dr. Rick Bright for Most Compelling Living Subject of a Documentary.
“At a unique time for the entertainment industry and the world, documentaries are more important and fortunately more abundant and more available and more essential than ever,” said Christopher Campbell, President of the Critics Choice Association Documentary Branch. “In 2020, documentaries have taken us to places and shown us perspectives we’ve never experienced before. They’ve chronicled events and life stories that are enlightening and enthralling – and sometimes frightening. It is a great honor for the CCA to celebrate these stories and subjects and shed light on the work of so many incredible filmmakers. The Documentary Branch faced its greatest task yet considering the quantity and quality of nonfiction cinema released this year. Ultimately, these nominees represent the best of the best of a remarkably fruitful moment for documentary filmmaking.”
At last year’s fourth annual CCDA event, Apollo 11 took home the evening’s most prestigious award for Best Documentary. Peter Jackson (They Shall Not Grow Old), and Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar (American Factory), tied for Best Director. American Factory also won the award for Best Political Documentary, and subsequently received many more accolades including the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
The nominees for the fifth annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards are:
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE Athlete A (Netflix) Belushi (Showtime) Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (Netflix) Dick Johnson is Dead (Netflix) Feels Good Man (Wavelength Productions/PBS Independent Lens) The Fight (Magnolia Pictures/Topic Studios) The Go-Go’s (Showtime) Gunda (Neon) Mr. SOUL! (Shoes in the Bed Productions) My Octopus Teacher (Netflix) The Painter and the Thief (Neon) A Secret Love (Netflix) The Social Dilemma (Netflix) Time (Amazon Studios)
BEST DIRECTOR Garrett Bradley, Time (Amazon Studios) Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk, Athlete A (Netflix) Kirsten Johnson, Dick Johnson is Dead (Netflix) Victor Kossakovsky, Gunda (Neon) James Lebrecht and Nicole Newnham, Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (Netflix) Dawn Porter, John Lewis: Good Trouble (Magnolia Pictures) Benjamin Ree, The Painter and the Thief (Neon)
BEST FIRST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE Robert S. Bader, Ali & Cavett: The Tale of the Tapes (HBO) Chris Bolan, A Secret Love (Netflix) Melissa Haizlip, Mr. SOUL! (Shoes in the Bed Productions) Arthur Jones, Feels Good Man (Wavelength Productions/PBS Independent Lens) Elizabeth Leiter and Kim Woodard, Jane Goodall: The Hope (National Geographic) Elizabeth Lo, Stray (Magnolia Pictures) Sasha Joseph Neulinger, Rewind (Grizzly Creek Films/PBS Independent Lens)
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw, The Truffle Hunters (Sony Pictures Classics) Roger Horrocks, My Octopus Teacher (Netflix) Kirsten Johnson, Dick Johnson is Dead (Netflix) Victor Kossakovsky and Egil Håskjold Larsen, Gunda (Neon) Scott Ressler, Neil Gelinas and Stefan Wiesen, The Last Ice (National Geographic) Gianfranco Rosi, Notturno (Stemal Entertainment) Ruben Woodin Dechamps, The Reason I Jump (Kino Lorber)
BEST EDITING Don Bernier, Athlete A (Netflix) Eli Despres, Greg Finton and Kim Roberts, The Fight (Magnolia Pictures/Topic Studios) Lindy Jankura, Alexis Johnson and Alex Keipper, Totally Under Control (Neon) Helen Kearns, Assassins (Greenwich Entertainment) Victor Kossakovsky and Ainara Vera, Gunda (Neon) Eileen Meyer and Andrew Gersh, Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (Netflix) Charlotte Munch Bengtsen, The Truffle Hunters (Sony Pictures Classics)
BEST SCORE Ari Balouzian and Ryan Hope, Feels Good Man (Wavelength Productions/PBS Independent Lens) Marco Beltrami, Brandon Roberts and Buck Sanders, The Way I See It (Focus Features) Tyler Durham, Sven Faulconer and Xander Rodzinski, The Last Ice (National Geographic) Peter Nashel and Brian Deming, Totally Under Control (Neon) Daniel Pemberton, Rising Phoenix (Netflix) Jeff Tweedy, Long Gone Summer (ESPN) Jeff Tweedy, Spencer Tweedy and Sammy Tweedy, Showbiz Kids (HBO)
BEST NARRATION David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (Netflix) David Attenborough, Narrator David Attenborough, Writer Dick Johnson is Dead (Netflix) Kirsten Johnson, Narrator Kirsten Johnson, Writer Fireball: Visitors From Darker Worlds (Apple) Werner Herzog, Narrator Werner Herzog, Writer Mr. SOUL! (Shoes in the Bed Productions) Blair Underwood, Narrator Ellis Haizlip, Writer My Octopus Teacher (Netflix) Craig Foster, Narrator Craig Foster, Writer Time (Amazon Studios) Fox Rich, Narrator Fox Rich, Writer Totally Under Control (Neon) Alex Gibney, Narrator Alex Gibney, Writer
BEST ARCHIVAL DOCUMENTARY Ali & Cavett: The Tale of the Tapes (HBO) Belushi (Showtime) Class Action Park (HBO MAX) Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (Netflix) MLK/FBI (Field of Vision/IFC Films) Mr. SOUL! (Shoes in the Bed Productions) Spaceship Earth (Neon)
BEST HISTORICAL/BIOGRAPHICAL DOCUMENTARY Belushi (Showtime) Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (Netflix) Howard (Disney+) John Lewis: Good Trouble (Magnolia Pictures) Mr. SOUL! (Shoes in the Bed Production) Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado (Netflix) Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind (HBO)
BEST MUSIC DOCUMENTARY Beastie Boys Story (Apple) Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan (Magnolia Pictures) The Go-Go’s (Showtime) Laurel Canyon (Epix) Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band (Magnolia Pictures) Other Music (Factory 25) Zappa (Magnolia Pictures)
BEST POLITICAL DOCUMENTARY All In: The Fight for Democracy (Amazon Studios) Boys State (Apple) John Lewis: Good Trouble (Magnolia Pictures) MLK/FBI (Field of Vision/IFC Films) The Social Dilemma (Netflix) Totally Under Control (Neon)The Way I See It (Focus Features)
BEST SCIENCE/NATURE DOCUMENTARY Coded Bias (7th Empire Media/PBS Independent Lens) Fantastic Fungi (Area 23a) Gunda (Neon) I Am Greta (Hulu) The Last Ice (National Geographic) My Octopus Teacher (Netflix) Spaceship Earth (Neon)
BEST SPORTS DOCUMENTARY Ali & Cavett: The Tale of the Tapes (HBO) Athlete A (Netflix) Be Water (ESPN) A Most Beautiful Thing (50 Eggs Films) Red Penguins (Universal Pictures) Rising Phoenix (Netflix) You Cannot Kill David Arquette (Super LTD)
BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY
Blackfeet Boxing: Not Invisible (ESPN) (Directors: Kristen Lappas and Tom Rinaldi. Producers: Craig Lazarus, José Morales, Lindsay Rovegno, Victor Vitarelli and Ben Webber) The Claudia Kishi Club (Netflix) (Director and Producer: Sue Ding) Crescendo! (Quibi) (Director: Alex Mallis. Producers: Matt O’Neill and Perri Peltz) Elevator Pitch (Field of Vision) (Director and Producer: Martyna Starosta) Hunger Ward (Spin Film/Vulcan Productions/RYOT Films) (Director and Producer: Skye Fitzgerald. Producer: Michael Scheuerman) Into the Fire (National Geographic) (Director: Orlando von Einsiedel. Producers: Mark Bauch, Harri Grace and Dan Lin) My Father the Mover (MTV Documentary Films) (Director: Julia Jansch. Producer: Mandilakhe Yengo) The Rifleman (Field of Vision) (Director: Sierra Pettengill. Producer: Arielle de Saint Phalle) The Speed Cubers (Netflix) (Director and Producer: Sue Kim. Producers: Evan Krauss and Chris Romano) St. Louis Superman (MTV Documentary Films) (Directors and Producers: Sami Khan and Smriti Mundhra. Producer: Poh Si Teng)
MOST COMPELLING LIVING SUBJECTS OF A DOCUMENTARY (HONOR) Dr. Rick Bright – Totally Under Control (Neon) Steven Garza – Boys State (Apple) The Go-Go’s – The Go-Go’s (Showtime) Judith Heumann – Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (Netflix) Dick Johnson – Dick Johnson is Dead (Netflix) Maggie Nichols, Rachael Denhollander, Jamie Dantzscher – Athlete A (Netflix) Fox Rich – Time (Amazon) Pete Souza – The Way I See It (Focus Features) Taylor Swift – Miss Americana (Netflix) Greta Thunberg – I Am Greta (Hulu)
DISTRIBUTOR NOMINATION TOTALS:
Netflix: 31
Neon: 15
Magnolia Pictures: 9
Showtime: 6
Amazon Studios: 5
HBO: 5
National Geographic: 5
PBS Independent Lens: 5
Shoes in the Bed Productions: 5
Apple: 4
ESPN: 3
Focus Features: 3
Participant: 3
Wavelength Productions: 3
Field of Vision: 2
Hulu: 2
IFC: 2
MTV Documentary Films: 2
Sony: 2
7th Empire Media: 1
50 Eggs Films: 1
Area 23a: 1
Disney+: 1
EPIX: 1
Factory 25: 1
Greenwich Entertainment: 1
Grizzly Creek Films: 1
HBO Max: 1
Kino Lorber: 1
Quibi: 1
Spin Film/Vulcan Productions/RYOT Films: 1
Stemal Entertainment: 1
Universal: 1
About CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS
The Critics Choice Documentary Awards are an off-shoot of The Critics Choice Awards, which are bestowed annually by the CCA to honor the finest in cinematic and televised/streaming achievement. Historically, the Critics Choice Awards are the most-accurate predictor of the Academy Award nominations.
The 26th annual Critics Choice Awards will air LIVE on The CW Network on Sunday, March 7, 2021, with acclaimed film, television, and stage star Taye Diggs returning to host for his third consecutive time. The show will continue its combined Film and Television awards format, honoring the finest in both cinematic and televised/streaming achievement, and take place once again at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, health considerations permitting.
About CRITICS CHOICE ASSOCIATION (CCA)
The Critics Choice Association is the largest critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 400 television, radio and online critics and entertainment reporters. It was organized last year with the formal merger of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association, recognizing the blurring of the distinctions between film, television, and streaming content. For more information, visit: www.CriticsChoice.com.
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