The Critics’ Choice Awards continue to grow and promise magical moments

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While plenty of food and libations will be on the menu at the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards on January 15, so will be spontaneity when it comes to capturing all the hilarious and heartbreaking moments on camera.

“When you produce a show like this, you always try to create space for the moments to evolve, but you can’t tell what will emerge,” says Critics Choice Assn. CEO Joey Berlin. “You don’t know when you’re going to have Meryl Streep and Sandra Bullock tie in a category and end up kissing on stage. With all the talented and creative people we’re going to have in the room representing so many spectacular projects, we know that there will be many magical moments.

The telecast, which airs live on The CW from 7-10 p.m. ET (and 7-10 p.m. PT via tape delay) will air from the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

This is the second time the awards will use the beautiful ballroom instead of the Barker Hangar where the event was held previously, and it presents a challenge.

“It’s a bit smaller capacity,” says Berlin. However, it adds to the appeal. “That makes it a tough ticket, which isn’t such a bad thing when you’re producing an event.”

Last year, critics faced a monumental task, having to work around the constraints caused by the pandemic. This included pushing the show back for two months to a date that clashed with other award shows.

“We were facing the BAFTAs in London, so we had to organize a second leg last year,” Berlin explains. “We actually had to produce two events simultaneously. One show, two events, two stages and I was really proud of how we pulled it off.

Now, with all that in the past, Berlin promises big returns. “This will truly be the highlight of awards season leading up to the Oscars.”

When the Critics Choice Assn. putting together such a massive TV show, the process starts early. “There are literally hundreds of top professionals working there. We are working on it now and have been working on it for a long time. We zoom in countless times before daily meetings. »

Berlin also thanks executive producer extraordinaire Bob Bain, who has produced other kudos for live events such as the Creative Arts Emmys, Billboard Awards, Kids’ Choice and Teen Choice Awards, for his guidance and support. .

“I just can’t imagine doing the show without Bob Bain and his incredible team. He has been doing this for many years,” says Berlin. “We’re filtering in to new people – and it’s going to be the most diverse crew we’ve ever had. It’s a lot of reliable hands doing live TV. It’s not a simple thing to do.

The show’s direction is also changing in front of the camera, moving its emcee from actor Taye Diggs (who has hosted for the past four years) to comedian Chelsea Handler. “Having Taye Diggs as a host for the past few years has been great and there’s a real level of comfort there. He’s such a spectacular talent. We were really happy to have him,” says Berlin. “But we’re also thrilled to have a great comedienne at the top of her game as a host. We had a pick list of people we wanted to ask to host and she was our first request. It never happens. ever, when the person you want most says “yes” immediately.

Other than the usual network no-no’s, there are no set boundaries for Handler: “She’s been lined up for months. Its writers are at work and we are all working together. No restrictions except, of course, it’s a broadcast network so we have standards and practices. We want Chelsea to be Chelsea and help us shine a light on the biggest film and TV work of the past year.

Although no specific decision for dinner has yet been made, Berlin says they are continuing with their promise to have a vegan option available – something the band embraced when Joaquin Phoenix was nominated for “Joker” at the 25th Critics Choice Awards.

“We are certainly committed to providing vegan options for everyone.” However, unlike that year’s event, the evening’s selections will not be exclusively vegan. “There will also be non-vegan options.” Whatever the dishes served, Berlin promises a festive atmosphere: “It’s going to be a pretty crazy party. There will be unlimited booze and that helps make for a great party. There will be food before. There will be food during. There will be food at the after-parties.

Typically, at the Critics Choice Awards, a handful of categories don’t have speaking time for the winners. According to Berlin, while “the Big Six” on the film and television side are permanent, others could change every year depending on the nominees. “We’re definitely going to do Best Comedy Series, Best Drama Series, Best Limited Series, and Actor and Actress. The below-the-line categories, which we think are really important to recognize, won’t get those presentations complete with clips and acceptance speeches. You end up with a dozen categories of bubbles and you have to see what will make the show the most entertaining for the audience.

Still, Berlin is confident they’ll highlight a few special awards that night, including the SeeHer Award given to winners Halle Berry, Zendaya and Viola Davis in previous years.

“We will have special rewards that have not yet been announced. Maybe some kind of lifetime achievement.

Berlin also hopes to incorporate those who have been honored at the association’s recent spin-off events, such as the Celebration of Black Film and Television, the Celebration of Latino Film and Television, and the Inaugural Celebration of Film and Television. from Asia Pacific, all of which highlight the importance of diversity in the entertainment industry.

“When you go to the Critics Choice Awards, it’s super fun, especially for the audience,” Berlin says, further contextualizing the differences between these events. “But the vast majority of people who come as nominees don’t leave as winners. This has an influence on the experience. At celebrations, everyone is honoured. It’s a different vibe. It’s really special.

Part of what makes the Critics Choice Assn. and its awards show that the diversity of its membership stands out, he says. “We think it’s really important to support these strengths in our business. It’s important to be diverse, but also to help underrepresented voices be heard. It has become a very important part of what we do and who we are. We know there are other groups that have gone the other way on this issue. We’re really proud of who we are and who we’ve always been.

Year-round efforts by Critics Choice Assn. to discover and discuss the best movies, TV series and streaming series are the reason why these projects can be recognized on a wide and far-reaching platform on this evening. “There’s so much out there,” Berlin says. “Our job, day to day, week to week, especially on January 15, is to help people find the right things. And, of course, help people doing the right things find their audience.

“It’s a big night for the network. I think that’s the only night they schedule a three-hour block.

What makes this TV show different is its fresh approach to showcasing the best of the best. “The show changes drastically every year. By definition, it has to be organic, so we have to be nimble.

The members, made up of film critics and journalists, are also different from those who vote for the Emmys and Oscars.

“The gold standard will always be the Oscars and the Emmys – the people who make film and TV decide what they think is the best of the year,” Berlin says. “But, frankly, we have a lot of influence on that. We are the ones who judge throughout the year. We’re the people whose job it is to make those reviews and help people find what’s really worth their time. [while] they’re making these shows and movies. We are the best group capable of making these decisions. This is why it is taken so seriously.

Given the myriad ways the Critics Choice Assn. has grown over the years, the sky is the limit as to how they will continue to grow the industry. “Twenty-eight years ago, at the first show, we had 44 members,” Berlin explains. “We have built a really solid base. We did the show for five years before we even tried to get it on TV. Since then, the chart is a line that goes up and up and up.

They are determined to keep reaching for the stars. “Every year the membership has grown, the viewership has grown, the prestige has grown. And now we think we’re ready to be the number two show after the Oscars.

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