What the 23rd Critics' Choice Awards honored
The 23rd Critics' Choice Awards recognized creative excellence in film, television, and emerging streaming platforms during the 2017–2018 award season. This overview explains the key nominees and verified winners, how categories were organized, and how the Critics' Choice Association determines honors. It is designed as an evergreen explainer to help you understand the voting body, submission windows, category rules, and the path from nominations to final winners.
Notable nominees and verified winners at a glance
Below is a compact summary of major nominees and verified winners across film and television. These reflect the official Critics' Choice selections for the 23rd ceremony.
| Category | Nominees | Verified Winner | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Picture | The Shape of Water, Lady Bird, Dunkirk, Three Billboards, The Post | The Shape of Water | Official Critics' Choice Awards |
| Best Actor | Timothée Chalamet, Daniel Day-Lewis, Gary Oldman, James Franco | Gary Oldman | Official Critics' Choice Awards |
| Best Actress | Saoirse Ronan, Meryl Streep, Frances McDormand, Melissa McCarthy | Frances McDormand | Official Critics' Choice Awards |
| Best Supporting Actor | Sam Rockwell, Michael B. Jordan, Andy Serkis | Sam Rockwell | Official Critics' Choice Awards |
| Best Supporting Actress | Allison Janney, Emma Stone, Margot Robbie | Allison Janney | Official Critics' Choice Awards |
| Best Director | Guillermo del Toro, Christopher Nolan, Jordan Peele | Guillermo del Toro | Official Critics' Choice Awards |
| Best Comedy | The Big Sick, Bridesmaids, Game Night, The Grand Budapest Hotel | The Big Sick | Official Critics' Choice Awards |
| Best Acting Ensemble | Three Billboards, The Big Sick, The Post | The Big Sick | Official Critics' Choice Awards |
| Best Movie Made for Television | The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, The Zen of Bennett, The Tale | The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks | Official Critics' Choice Awards |
| Best Actress in a Movie/Miniseries | Jessica Lange, Regina King, Michelle Williams | Michelle Williams | Official Critics' Choice Awards |
| Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries | Ewan McGregor, John Turturro, Courtney B. Vance | Courtney B. Vance | Official Critics' Awards |
How the Critics' Choice Awards work
Members of the Critics' Choice Association—an international group of journalists and editors covering movies, TV, and streaming—vote on nominations and winners. The process typically includes announcement of nominations, a voting window, and a final awards event. Categories span film, TV, and emerging streaming originals. Eligibility depends on release windows and platform criteria defined by the association each year. Understanding this framework helps explain why certain nominees appear and how winners are selected based on member ballots.
Eligibility and submission windows
Eligibility for the 23rd Critics' Choice Awards required original release or streaming during the award season covered by the association. Streaming originals had to debut on a recognized platform within the submission period. The association sets precise windows for film and broadcast and streaming submissions; late changes can affect category placement. Projects must meet technical standards and be available for screening or streaming to voting members.
Voting timeline and members
Voting members review nominated content during a defined voting period, then cast ballots to determine winners. The Critics' Choice Association publishes category lists and voting rules in advance. Final winners are typically announced at a public ceremony, though procedures can change based on industry conditions. Members represent a broad range of critics, reporters, and editors working in national and international outlets, aiming to reflect informed, diverse critical perspectives.
Key film categories and notable entries
In film, the 23rd Critics' Choice Awards highlighted leading performances, bold directorial choices, and strong ensemble work. Categories such as Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director often signal momentum toward major season milestones. Streaming originals gained more space in the film and TV landscape, widening the pool of eligible projects. The following list summarizes dominant film entries that drew member attention.
- The Shape of Water – Best Picture winner and strong genre contender
- Lady Bird – celebrated for direction and ensemble writing
- Dunkirk – noted for technical craft and immersive storytelling
- Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – critical recognition for performances and writing
- The Post – highlighted for direction and period filmmaking
Key television categories and notable entries
Television categories at the 23rd Critics' Choice Awards reflected growth in streaming quality and strong scripted storytelling. Leading series across broadcast and cable competed alongside standout performances in limited series and movies made for TV. Members evaluated writing, acting, and overall impact across episodic and limited formats.
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks – recognized as Best Movie Made for Television
- Strong ensemble and performance nods across drama and comedy series
- Emerging streaming originals gaining category presence
- Limited series highlighting innovative structure and performance-driven storytelling
Context for long-term reference
The 23rd Critics' Choice Awards represent a single point in a longer timeline of critical recognition in film and television. For durable reference, it is useful to compare these honorees with nominees and winners from adjacent years. Such comparisons highlight trends in genre recognition, platform influence, and evolving voting member demographics. This explainer is structured to remain useful as a long-term resource on category structures, voting rules, and representative nominees across editions of the Critics' Choice Awards.
Frequently asked questions
- Which organization presents the Critics' Choice Awards? The Critics' Choice Association, an international group of media journalists and editors.
- How are nominees determined? Members submit nominations within announced category rules; qualifying releases and timing determine eligibility.
- How are winners selected? Members vote on nominees during a defined voting period; final winners are tabulated and announced publicly.
- Are streaming originals eligible? Yes, streaming originals are eligible when they meet platform and timing criteria set by the association.
- Do these awards predict the Oscars? Critics' Choice Awards often align with broader industry sentiment, but they are one of many critics groups and do not directly determine other awards outcomes.