BY: Darrel Marrow
Published 5 days ago
The 2025 Critics’ Choice Awards are set to kick off on Feb. 5, and the show will be packed with nominees from the LGBTQIA+ community. Several films featuring queer stories or actors have earned nominations, and the odds are looking promising. From “Emilia Pérez” to “Conclave,” here is a breakdown of the LGBTQIA+- themed projects and actors who could take home a Critics’ Choice Award this year.
1. “Wicked”
“Wicked” received 11 nominations, tying for the most this year. Nods include Best Picture and Best Acting Ensemble. The film, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, has been a domineering contender this award season.
2. “Queer”
Daniel Craig earned a nomination for Best Actor for his role in “Queer,” an adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novel. The film follows the life of an expatriate navigating his identity and desires in post-war Mexico City.
3. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for “Wicked”
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s on-camera chemistry is undeniable. The pair, who star as counterparts in “Wicked,” have both received Critics’ Choice nods. Cynthia was nominated for her role as Elphaba, the wicked witch of the West. While Ariana received a nod for her portrayal of Glinda.
4. Colman Domingo “Sing Sing”
Coleman Domingo is really having a year, proven by the flurry of award nominations he received for “Sing Sing.” He’s nominated for the Best Actor Critics Choice Award for his performance in the prison drama, and he has also received a SAG Award nomination for the same film.
5. “Emilia Pérez”
Overall, “Emilia Pérez” received several nominations in major categories, including Best Picture and Best Foreign Language Film. Additionally, director Jacques Audiard landed nods for both his work behind the camera and his screenplay.
6. Karla Sofía Gascón in “Emilia Pérez”
Karla Sofía Gascón, who portrays the titular character, is nominated for Best Actress, making history as the first openly transgender actress to receive such recognition. The film, which tells the story of a Mexican cartel leader undergoing gender-affirming surgery, has garnered a total of 10 nominations.
7. “Conclave”
“Conclave” leads the pack with 11 Critics Choice nominations. The film is up for Best Picture and Best Acting Ensemble, with Ralph Fiennes nominated for Best Actor. Isabella Rossellini received a nod for Best Supporting Actress. Edward Berger is in the running for Best Director. Although the film is largely religious, it does have queer elements.
No matter who takes home a Critics’ Choice Award this year, one thing’s certain — the nominee pool is a great example of diversity. With a strong lineup of LGBTQIA+ actors in the mix, it’s a win for representation.
Have you watched any of these movies featuring LGBTQIA+ icons? If so, which one was your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
