The Critics’ Choice Awards series got a surprise update when host Chelsea Handler decided to “go out on a limb” and summon Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie to the stage.
Gerwig and Robbie’s “Barbie” took home a host of awards during the evening, but several were presented during commercial breaks, including best comedy. Which It wouldn’t have worked for Handler, who devoted a large portion of her monologue to saluting “Barbie” for its $1.4 billion box office achievement and cultural significance amid the “Year of the Woman.”
“I’m going to go rogue because Greta and Margot deserve the opportunity to give an acceptance speech,” Handler said. “Would you mind coming and accepting the award?”
The camera cut to Gerwig and Robbie, who excitedly rushed onto the stage from their table.
“Thank you, Chelsea. We love you so much,” Robbie said on stage. “You know, when everyone says, ‘Oh, this is completely unexpected.’” This is it In reality Unexpected and not far from the show. We were very grateful though and I would love for Greta to speak up.”
The director began by thanking Handler as well: “We were excited sitting in our chairs. It is nice to be here. Thank you to everyone who helped make the film. I laughed through most of the takes. Because of our beautiful crew – Margot, Ryan and America – who must be as amazing as they are.
Gerwig then thanked the companies behind the film – Mattel for “allowing us to take their beloved icon and make something so disruptive” and Warner Bros. For “standing behind us every step of the way.” She saved her final shout-out for Baumbach, her co-writer and new husband. “We wanted to make everyone laugh and make the world laugh, too.”
By this point, “Barbie” had won awards for original screenplay (Gerwig and Noah Baumbach), original song (“I’m Only Ken”), production design (Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer), costume design (Jacqueline Doran), and hair. And makeup. Taking home the award for Best Comedy means the film has won six out of 18 nominations – which included Best Picture, Director, Actress (Robbie), Supporting Actor (Ryan Gosling), Supporting Actress (America Ferrera), and three for Best Original Feature. Song.
Additionally, Ferrera was honored with the Critics Choice SeeHer Award and delivered a powerful speech that sparked her viral monologue from the film, looking back on her two-decade career and dedicating the award “to every kid who longs to break into a house.”
“I am extremely grateful for this recognition and this honor for my contributions to more authentic portrayals of women and girls,” Ferreira began. “It couldn’t be more meaningful to me because I grew up as a first-generation Honduran American girl who loved television, film, and theater, and who desperately wanted to be part of a storytelling legacy that I couldn’t see myself reflected in.”
She continued: “Of course, I felt myself in strong and complex characters, but these characters are strong and complex, but these characters rarely resemble me, if at all. I longed to see people like me on screen as whole human beings. When I started over 20 years ago, this seemed impossible.
But thanks to writers, directors, producers and executives — like Robbie and Gerwig — who “were bold enough to rewrite outdated stories and challenge entrenched biases,” Ferrera and her fellow Latinos were “extremely blessed to bring some fierceness to life.” And amazing women.”
It’s about paving a way for a new generation of talent, like Ariana Greenblatt, who played Ferrera’s daughter in “Barbie,” Jenna Ortega and Selena Gomez.
“This is the best and highest use of storytelling: to affirm each other’s full humanity. To champion the truth. That we all deserve to be seen — black, brown, indigenous, Asian, trans, disabled, any body type, any gender. We all deserve to be seen.” Our lives are reflected richly and authentically.
America Ferrera receives the Critic’s Choice SeeHer Award at the 29th Critics’ Choice Awards.
Michael Buckner for Variety