The Ultimate Showdown: 30th Critics' Choice Awards Nominations Revealed—Wicked Vs. Conclave And Shōgun's Dominance
The race to the Oscars has officially entered its most thrilling phase. The Critics Choice Association (CCA) has just unveiled the complete list of nominees for the 30th Annual Critics' Choice Awards, setting the stage for one of the most unpredictable and exciting awards seasons in recent memory. As of today, December 22, 2025, the nominations confirm a major cinematic showdown between two powerhouse films, while a high-stakes historical epic dominates the television categories.
The 30th Critics' Choice Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday, February 7, 2025, and will honor the finest achievements in film and television from the past year. The nominations are a crucial bellwether, often predicting eventual Oscar and Emmy winners due to the CCA's broad membership of over 600 film and television critics and journalists. This year's list is packed with both crowd-pleasers and critical darlings, promising a night of genuine drama and celebration.
A Deep Dive into the Film Nominees: The Battle for Best Picture
The biggest story from the film side of the nominations is the unprecedented tie for the most nods. Both the highly anticipated musical *Wicked* and the critically acclaimed mystery-thriller *Conclave* secured an impressive 11 nominations each, establishing them as the top contenders for the night. Following closely behind are Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi spectacle *Dune: Part Two* and Jacques Audiard’s musical crime saga *Emilia Pérez*, both earning 10 nominations apiece.
This level of parity among the leading films suggests a fiercely competitive contest for the coveted Best Picture award. The Critics' Choice Awards are known for their expansive Best Picture category, which often includes a wider variety of genres than other major ceremonies. The 30th annual list is no exception, featuring a mix of blockbusters, indie gems, and international hits.
Best Picture Nominees: The Full Contenders List
- *A Complete Unknown*
- *Anora*
- *Conclave* (11 nominations)
- *Dune: Part Two* (10 nominations)
- *Emilia Pérez* (10 nominations)
- *Maria*
- *My Old Ass*
- *Nosferatu*
- *The Piano Lesson*
- *Wicked* (11 nominations)
The inclusion of the horror-tinged period piece *Nosferatu* and the sci-fi epic *Dune: Part Two* alongside the musical behemoths *Wicked* and *Emilia Pérez* highlights the diverse cinematic landscape of the year. The sheer volume of nominations for *Conclave* and *Wicked* indicates their strength across multiple craft and performance categories, making them the frontrunners to watch.
Key Performance and Direction Nominations
The acting categories are packed with veteran talent and breakout stars, providing a clear picture of the year's most impactful performances. The competition in the lead acting fields is particularly intense, with several first-time nominees making a significant impact on the awards circuit.
The Fierce Race for Best Actor and Best Actress
In the Best Actor category, the competition includes Adrien Brody for his transformative role in *The Brutalist* and Timothée Chalamet for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in *A Complete Unknown*. These performances represent two distinct styles of acting—a gritty dramatic turn versus a musical biopic transformation—which often resonates strongly with the CCA voters. Other notable contenders include the lead from *Conclave* and the star of the highly praised drama *The Piano Lesson*.
The Best Actress category is equally compelling, showcasing a powerful collection of performances:
- Cynthia Erivo – *Wicked* (as Elphaba Thropp)
- Karla Sofía Gascón – *Emilia Pérez* (as Emilia Pérez / Juan “Manitas” Del Monte)
- Demi Moore – *The Substance*
- Marianne Jean-Baptiste – *The Piano Lesson*
- The lead actress from *Anora*
The nominations for Cynthia Erivo and Karla Sofía Gascón, representing two of the year's most nominated films, signal their critical dominance. Gascón's nod for a complex, dual role in *Emilia Pérez* is a particularly significant recognition of her groundbreaking work in the musical genre. Meanwhile, Demi Moore's highly discussed performance in *The Substance* has also earned critical praise, securing her a coveted spot.
The Best Supporting Actor category features a strong showing from Kieran Culkin for *A Real Pain*, while the Supporting Actress category includes Danielle Deadwyler for her work in *The Piano Lesson*.
Television Triumphs: Shōgun Leads a Diverse Field
On the television side, the nominations reflect a year of high-quality, diverse, and often genre-bending programming. The FX/Hulu historical epic *Shōgun* emerged as the leading television contender, securing six nominations, including a nod for Best Drama Series. Its success underscores the CCA's appreciation for ambitious, cinematic television production.
Following *Shōgun* are a group of shows that each collected four nominations, highlighting their widespread critical appeal:
- *Abbott Elementary* (Comedy)
- *Disclaimer* (Limited Series)
- *Hacks* (Comedy)
- *The Diplomat* (Drama)
- *The Penguin* (Limited Series)
- *What We Do in the Shadows* (Comedy)
Key Television Categories: Drama, Comedy, and Limited Series
The Best Drama Series category is highly competitive, pitting the historical grandeur of *Shōgun* against political thrillers and dark dramas. The nominees include *The Diplomat*, *The Day of the Jackal*, *Evil*, and *Industry*.
In the Best Comedy Series race, beloved returning shows are facing off against new hits. The nominees for Best Comedy Series include the perennial favorite *Hacks*, the mockumentary *Abbott Elementary*, and the final season of *What We Do in the Shadows*. The category also features the new contender *English Teacher*.
The Limited Series category is dominated by intense, buzz-worthy shows. The dark, psychological drama *Baby Reindeer* secured a nomination for Best Limited Series, a testament to its cultural impact. The acting nominations in this category are equally compelling, with Colin Farrell nominated for his transformative role in *The Penguin* and Richard Gadd receiving a nod for his raw, acclaimed performance in *Baby Reindeer*. Sam Reid also earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his work on *Interview with the Vampire*, further cementing the show's critical praise.
The Impact and Topical Authority of the 30th Critics' Choice Awards
The 30th Critics' Choice Awards nominations serve as a vital indicator of which films and television shows are resonating most deeply with critics. The sheer number of nominations for films like *Wicked* and *Conclave* signals that they are not just commercial successes, but also critically lauded works that will be central to the conversation throughout the awards season. Similarly, *Shōgun*'s dominance on the television side confirms its status as the year's must-see drama.
For awards enthusiasts, the CCA nominations provide a blueprint for the coming months. They highlight the key performances and technical achievements that will likely be repeated at other major ceremonies, including the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and ultimately, the Academy Awards. The diversity of the nominees, spanning major studio blockbusters, intimate indie dramas, and global television phenomena, reflects a vibrant and healthy media landscape. All eyes will now turn to the February 7th ceremony to see which of these critical darlings will ultimately take home the coveted trophies.
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