he Critics Choice Awards 2025 was a night filled with glitz, glamour, and unexpected moments—including a playful roast by host Chelsea Handler.

But one of the evening’s biggest highlights? Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater sharing some cozy moments inside the venue, proving that they’re happier than ever.

A Sweet Moment Amid the Laughter

Grande, who was up for Best Supporting Actress, and Slater, her boyfriend and co-star from the upcoming film Wicked, were spotted enjoying each other’s company throughout the evening.

Seated with the rest of the Wicked cast at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, the couple leaned in close, shared laughs, and appeared completely unbothered by Handler’s lighthearted jab about their romance.

During her opening monologue, Handler playfully referenced Grande’s relationship with Slater, calling him a “munchkin” in a nod to his role as Boq in Wicked.

The audience’s reaction was mixed, but Grande and Slater took it in stride, focusing instead on their night together.

Red Carpet Decisions and a Night of Big Wins

While they stayed close during the ceremony, the couple opted to walk the red carpet separately.

The event, originally scheduled for January but postponed due to the LA fires, finally took place on February 7.

Wicked led the nominations with 11 nods, tying with Conclave for the most recognition.

Both films were in the running for Best Picture, competing against a strong lineup that included Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, and Sing Sing.

Grande, 31, faced stiff competition in the Best Supporting Actress category, going up against nominees like Danielle Deadwyler (The Piano Lesson), Margaret Qualley (The Substance), and eventual winner Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez).

Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba in Wicked, was a contender for Best Actress, battling heavyweights such as Angelina Jolie (Maria) and Demi Moore (The Substance).

Standout Films and Performances

Aside from Wicked, Conclave made waves with its gripping storyline about the Vatican’s secretive process of selecting a new pope.

Led by Ralph Fiennes, who was up for Best Actor, the film also secured nominations in Best Acting Ensemble and Best Adapted Screenplay, winning in the latter category.

Meanwhile, Dune: Part Two and Emilia Pérez followed closely with ten nominations each, proving they were major contenders. The Brutalist and The Substance also had a strong presence with multiple nods, cementing their place among the year’s best films.

Television Takes Center Stage

The Critics Choice Awards aren’t just about film—the night also celebrated television’s finest.

FX’s Shōgun led the pack with six nominations, including Best Drama Series and Best Actor for Hiroyuki Sanada, who took home the win.

Other standout TV shows included Abbott Elementary, Hacks, The Diplomat, and What We Do in the Shadows, all of which earned multiple nominations.

In the comedy realm, Hacks emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking home Best Comedy Series, along with acting awards for Jean Smart and supporting actor Michael Urie.

Netflix’s Baby Reindeer also had a strong showing in the limited series category, proving its impact on audiences and critics alike.

A Night to Remember

The 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards proved once again why it’s considered a key predictor of the Academy Awards.

With standout moments, big wins, and even a little romance in the air, the night was one to remember.

And while Ariana Grande didn’t take home a trophy this time, she and Ethan Slater certainly won the award for the cutest couple of the night.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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