Angelina Jolie’s Unexpected Moment at Critics Choice Awards Sparks Buzz!
Angelina Jolie took a moment to show her appreciation for the brave members of the Los Angeles Fire Department during the 2025 Critics Choice Awards on Friday night. The Oscar-winning actress, 49, was seen engaging warmly with several firefighters during a break in the star-studded ceremony, hosted by comedian Chelsea Handler.
Jolie, known for her humanitarian efforts, offered the firefighters a warm smile as she got up from her seat to speak with them. This touching moment came just weeks after devastating wildfires ravaged Los Angeles, leaving the city reeling from the destruction.
A Night of Recognition Amidst Tragedy
Fueled by historic winds, the unprecedented wildfires burned over 40,000 acres, destroyed 12,000 structures, and tragically claimed the lives of 29 people. After nearly a month of relentless firefighting efforts, Cal Fire confirmed last week that both the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire were fully contained.
Jolie, who resides in a $25 million mansion in Los Feliz with her six children, appeared to express her deep gratitude to the firefighters for their heroic efforts. Her heartfelt conversation with them became one of the most talked-about moments of the evening.
Jolie’s Award Hopes and Unexpected Outcome
The Critics Choice Awards was a significant night for Jolie, who was nominated for Best Actress for her critically acclaimed portrayal of the late opera singer Maria Callas in the 2024 biopic Maria. Despite dedicating herself to the role, even learning to sing opera, Jolie lost out on the coveted trophy to Demi Moore, who won for her performance in The Substance.
Moore’s victory came as she triumphed over a competitive field, including Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Mickey Madison (Anora), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Perez), and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths). The Critics Choice Awards not only shook up but also solidified the awards season race, setting the stage for the upcoming Academy Awards.
Unexpected Wins and Industry Shifts
Anora was the night’s biggest shock, winning Best Picture despite failing to secure victories in any of its other six nominated categories. Meanwhile, Demi Moore and Adrien Brody emerged as major contenders in the lead acting categories at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.
Brody, winning Best Actor for The Brutalist, delivered an emotional acceptance speech, thanking critics for giving his “very small, epic film” visibility. In the historical epic, he portrays a Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor who clashes with a wealthy benefactor, played by Guy Pearce, after emigrating to the United States.
The star-studded event, originally scheduled for January 12, was postponed due to its close proximity to fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades. Organizers ultimately rescheduled the show for February, allowing Hollywood to celebrate its finest performances while acknowledging the city’s recent hardships.
Controversies and Career Defining Wins
One of the night’s surprises came in the Best Supporting Actress category, where Zoe Saldaña won for her role in Emilia Pérez. However, controversy surrounded the film after tweets containing racist and Islamophobic sentiments from its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón, surfaced. While the Critics Choice Awards ballots were already locked in, the scandal may impact the film’s chances at the Oscars.
Despite this controversy, Emilia Pérez secured victories for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Song. Notably, Gascón, one of the credited songwriters, did not attend the event after Netflix halted funding for her awards season campaign due to the backlash.
Notable TV Wins and Oscar Implications
On the television side, Shōgun dominated with multiple wins, including Best Drama Series and acting awards for Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, and Moeka Hoshi. Hacks took home Best Comedy Series, with Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder winning acting accolades.
Meanwhile, Baby Reindeer and The Penguin split the Limited Series categories. Baby Reindeer won Best Limited Series and Best Supporting Actress (Jessica Gunning), while The Penguin saw Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti triumph in lead acting categories.
The Oscar race remains wide open, with Conclave keeping its hopes alive after winning Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Acting Ensemble, with Ralph Fiennes accepting the award.
A Night to Remember
Though Jolie didn’t take home the Best Actress trophy, her heartfelt interaction with the firefighters made headlines, further cementing her reputation as a star with a deep commitment to humanitarian causes. As awards season continues, the Critics Choice Awards have once again reshaped the landscape, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the Oscars.
Stay tuned for more updates as Hollywood’s biggest night approaches!
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