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The time for recognition of cinema’s critical excellence is here, and everyone related to the film industry eagerly awaits The Oscars. But the road to the Academy Awards is laden with other critical accolades that individuals receive for their great service to cinema, and The Critics Choice Awards is one of the biggest among them.
From actors and actresses to filmmakers and screenwriters, everyone had their eyes on the award ceremony, and against all expectations, Cillian Murphy did not win the award for the Best Actor category. It was Paul Giamatti who took home the award, and this instance made the race to the Oscars even more intriguing.
Paul Giamatti Wins The Best Actor Title At The 2024 Critics Choice Awards
Considered one of the premier organizations in Hollywood history about the acknowledgment and recognition of exceptional contributions to cinema, The Critics Choice Awards were a sight to behold this year as well. FromBarbietoOppenheimerandKillers of the Flower Moon, there were a lot of films, filmmakers, and stars that eagerly awaited the host’s call for them to receive their accolades.
Coming to the award for the Best Actor category, there was tough competition between stars likeCillian Murphyfor his titular role inOppenheimerandBradley Cooperfor his exceptional role inMaestro.But against all odds, the one who was awarded the accolade was Paul Giamatti for his performance in the 2023 Comedy/Drama filmThe Holdovers.
Paul Giamatti wins Best Actor at the#CriticsChoiceAwards.
See the full winners list:https://t.co/o7EgopRYqJpic.twitter.com/yXAqbqt4aS
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm)June 26, 2025
This was indeed a surprising outcome as all the other contenders for the category, which also included Leonardo DiCaprio forKillers of the Flower Moon,were the favorites in the eyes of the public, with their collective notion that these stars would find a winner among them. But once the critics looked closely at what Giamatti brought to the table in his film, their choices became clear.
The Holdovers,as reported by critics, was one of the best expressions of comedy and drama working in perfect harmony to create a film that both tickled the funny bone and left a lasting impact on the audience with emotions flowing steadily. The magic was further elevated by the performance of the stars, including Giamatti, which got the film a tremendous response from the critics and journalists.
What Do The Fans Say About This?
Since the film was not on the radar of the general public,The Truman Showstar’s performance winning a prestigious award has made the race to the Oscars even more exciting.
Oscar Best Actor race just got a whole lot more interesting. 🤔
— Vic Vela (@VicVela1)August 03, 2025
This is really amazing, he is really very underrated, finally justice served to such amazing actor.
— INVICTO AI (@INVICTOAI)June 28, 2025
That actually cracks me up. Everyone arguing about leading men like Murphy and Cooper. Yet here we have Paul f-ing Giamatti coming through for the win
— Film Colossus (@FilmColossus)August 19, 2025
Wow, that’s incredible!
— DepressedBergman (@DannyDrinksWine)June 20, 2025
God congrats to himLet’s wait for the Oscar’s
— angiepp (@angiepp95)June 07, 2025
Thus, people will be on their toes on the night of The Academy Awards to see what other surprises we may have in store for us.
The Holdovers,in cinemas on 9th February 2024.
Deepak Bisht
Articles Published :1503
Deepak is a senior writer at FandomWire with a serious love for comic books (DC Absolute Universe and Marvel), the Warhammer universe (Horus Heresy and 40,000), cinematic universes (Sonic, MCU and DCU etc.) and Movies (Action, Adventure, Psychological Horror and Thrillers etc.).With over 1,400 articles under his belt, he spends most of his time diving into the world of superheroes, cinematic universes, TV shows, and films. His goal? To share accurate, engaging, and fun stories that keep fans hooked and in the know.
