Awards shows deliver plenty of glitz on screen, but sometimes real magic happens when cameras stop rolling.
At the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, held January 4th at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar, Hollywood’s elite experienced a night that felt more like an exclusive party than a formal ceremony.
From tequila shots at every table to surprise celebrity arrivals, the evening proved that spontaneous moments often overshadow scripted ones.
Here’s what television audiences completely missed.
Tequila Replaced Dinner as Main Course
Janelle James didn’t hold back during her acceptance speech, calling out the sparse menu options.
It’s gonna be grapes and ice cream every year.
Her comment drew roaring laughter because it hit close to home. While food remained scarce, every table came equipped with two bottles of tequila, complete with shot glasses and fresh lime wedges at each place setting.
Throughout the night, tablemates raised glasses in celebration as winners were announced. Water bottles were also provided to keep attendees hydrated between toasts.
Pre-Show Mingling Created Electric Atmosphere
Approximately 30 minutes before showtime, Sentimental Value star Elle Fanning and Renate Reinsve exchanged warm hugs while complimenting each other’s gowns.
Nearby, Ariana Grande wrapped The Pitt‘s Noah Wyle in an enthusiastic embrace before settling beside Wicked director Jon M. Chu. Severance star Adam Scott caught up with Rose Byrne, who also connected with Pluribus‘ Rhea Seehorn and snapped a selfie with Stranger Things‘ Noah Schnapp.
Chelsea Handler Commanded Room with Sharp Humor
Once ceremonies began, host Chelsea Handler kept audiences genuinely entertained with biting commentary.
She roasted Leonardo DiCaprio’s yachting adventures with Jeff Bezos and took aim at studio executives while referencing Seth Rogen’s character in The Studio.
Handler delivered one massive laugh line when addressing performers in attendance.
You guys made amazing, original shows that everyone couldn’t stop talking about — until that gay hockey show from Canada came along.
Atmosphere shifted noticeably when Handler paused to reflect on recent deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michelle, bringing somber acknowledgment to the evening.
Timothée Chalamet’s Arrival Stopped Show
Nearly 90 minutes into the ceremony, energy in the room completely transformed when Timothée Chalamet arrived alongside girlfriend Kylie Jenner.
Attendees immediately swarmed toward them, desperate for photos and handshakes — though bodyguards surrounding the couple made access challenging.
Excitement reached fever pitch when Chalamet secured Best Actor for Marty Supreme later that evening.
Heartfelt Acceptance Speech Touched Audience
Taking the stage, Chalamet drew laughs by pointing out his table’s unusual placement, shared with costar Odessa A’Zion and director Josh Safdie.
Then he shifted gears, delivering an emotional tribute to Jenner.
Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much.
From her seat, Jenner mouthed back, “I love you, too.”
The couple dominated conversations throughout the night. Hacks stars Paul W. Downs and Meg Stalter even cosplayed as Chalamet and Jenner in their orange Marty Supreme premiere outfits.
Jimmy Kimmel Earned First Standing Ovation
When Jimmy Kimmel won Best Talk Show, casts from Abbott Elementary to One Battle After Another rose to their feet.
The late-night host seized his moment, directly addressing President Donald Trump.
Thank you, Mr. President, for all the many ridiculous things you do each and every day. It’s been a banner couple of weeks, and we can’t wait to get back on the air tomorrow night to talk about them. Thank you, everyone.
Winners Celebrated with Tequila and Pretzels
After Sarah Snook’s surprise win for Best Limited/Movie Actress for All Her Fault, she returned to her table and downed a tequila shot.
Adolescence creator Stephen Graham, who won Best Actor in Limited Series, chose Wetzel’s Pretzels instead, sharing snacks with tablemates including fellow winners Owen Cooper and Erin Doherty.
Emotional Backstage Moments Brought Tears
Jessie Buckley’s moving acceptance speech for Best Actress in Hamnet had audiences reaching for tissues.
What happened next proved even more powerful. Returning to her table, Buckley and co-star Paul Mescal shared an extended embrace lasting several minutes before director Chloé Zhao and costar Jacobi Jupe joined them with congratulations.
One Battle After Another Dominated Final Hour
Ultimate celebration belonged to One Battle After Another.
After Paul Thomas Anderson claimed Best Director — then sealed the evening with Best Picture — the room seemed to physically tilt toward their table. Teyana Taylor, Chase Infiniti, Benicio Del Toro, and Leonardo DiCaprio found themselves surrounded by congratulatory waves of guests.
Instead of heading backstage for traditional press interviews, both Chalamet and One Battle crew opted to greet well-wishers before departing into the rainy Santa Monica night.