The Best Behind the Scenes Photos from the 2025 Critics Choice Awards

February 8, 2025 - by USA Sky News - Leave a Comment

From Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo being friendship-goals to Nicole Kidman’s multiple costar reunions, see some of the best moments you didn’t see on TV

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande attend the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. — Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty

The 2025 Critics Choice Awards were filled with reunions of old friends and costars — most of which happened backstage and during commercial breaks!

From Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater‘s smiley chat in the audience to Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldaña’s Special Ops: Lioness meet-up, see all the best photos from inside the Barker Hangar on Feb. 7.

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Date Night

Ethan Slater, Ariana Grande at the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards held at The Barker Hangar on February 7, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. — Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande.Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Though the couple walked the carpet separately, once inside the ceremony Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater were seated together and were all smiles as they chatted.

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Two of a Kind

Jesse Eisenberg and Rachel Brosnahan attend the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. — Jesse Eisenberg and Rachel Brosnahan.Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

As two of the night’s presenters, Jesse Eisenberg and Rachel Brosnahan posed together backstage as the show carried on just a few feet away.

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Special Win

Demi Moore wins the Best Actress award for "The Substance" during the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. — Jack Antonoff, Margaret Qualley and Demi Moore.Kevin Winter/Getty

Before taking the stage to accept her award for best actress, Demi Moore was sure to snag a hug from her costar Margaret Qualley who was seated next to her husband Jack Antonoff.

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Filled with Talent

Colin Farrell, Janelle James, Chris Perfetti and Cristin Milioti attend the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. — Colin Farrell, Janelle James, Chris Perfetti and Cristin Milioti.Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Colin Farrell (left) and Cristin Milioti (right) — who both walked home winners — posed with Abbott Elementary‘s Janelle James and Chris Perfetti from the crowd.

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Gather Around

Aldis Hodge, Rufus Sewell, Keri Russell, Chelsea Handler, and Craig Robinson attend the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. — Aldis Hodge, Rufus Sewell, Keri Russell, Chelsea Handler and Craig Robinson.Michael Kovac/Getty

The Diplomat‘s Rufus Sewell and Keri Russell smiled together backstage with host Chelsea Handler as well as Aldis Hodge and Craig Robinson.

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Wickedly Good Friends

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo put their love on display Friday when they posed for a sweet photo while embracing from their table.

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Triple Threat

Matt Bomer, Kristen Bell and Chelsea Handler attend the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. — Matt Bomer, Kristen Bell and Chelsea Handler.Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

In matching purple velvet looks, Matt Bomer and Chelsea Handler gathered around nominee Kristen Bell backstage.

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Seeing Double

Liev Schreiber and Sasha Schreiber attend the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. — Liev Schreiber and Sasha Schreiber.Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Liev Schreiber posed with his very-grown up son Sasha Schreiber, who he credited, along with his wife Taylor Nieson, for “convincing” him to attend the ceremony.

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Good to Glow

Nicole Kidman, Zoe Saldana at the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards held at The Barker Hangar on February 7, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. — Nicole Kidman, Zoe Saldaña.Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Special Ops: Lioness costars Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldaña posed cheek to cheek from inside the Barker Hangar.

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Lots of Laughs

Angelina Jolie, Massimo Cantini Parrini at the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards held at The Barker Hangar on February 7, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. — Angelina Jolie and Massimo Cantini Parrini.Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Angelina Jolie had a laugh as she caught up with Maria costume designer Massimo Cantini Parrini.

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Leading Ladies

Margaret Qualley, Ariana Grande at the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards held at The Barker Hangar on February 7, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. — Margaret Qualley and Ariana Grande.Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Margaret Qualley and Ariana Grande — who were both nominated for best supporting actress — were glowing as they caught up in the audience.

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Backstage Bliss

Natasha Lyonne attends the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. — Natasha Lyonne.Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

As one of the night’s presenters, Natasha Lyonne smiled backstage in a leather gown paired with a classic diamond necklace.

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Strike a Pose

Myha'la, Colman Domingo at the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards held at The Barker Hangar on February 7, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. — Myha’la and Colman Domingo.Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Industry‘s Myha’la and Colman Domingo smiled together amid Friday’s ceremony.

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Sealed with a Kiss

Megan Stalter and Hannah Einbinder at the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards held at The Barker Hangar on February 7, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. — Megan Stalter and Hannah Einbinder.Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Best supporting actress in a comedy series winner Hannah Einbinder gave a sweet smooch to Megan Stalter.

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Dashing Duo

Lupita Nyong'o and Chelsea Handler attend the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. — Lupita Nyong’o and Chelsea Handler.Michael Kovac/Getty

Lupita Nyong’o and Chelsea Handler were all smiles as they posed together backstage.

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Hey, You!

Jimmy O. Yang and Randall Park attend the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. — Jimmy O. Yang and Randall Park.Michael Kovac/Getty

Jimmy O. Yang pointed to fellow presenter Randall Park as the two passed some time backstage.

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Streaming Stars

Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber attend the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. — Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber.Rodin Eckenroth/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty

The Perfect Couple costars Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber had a reunion in between the night’s announcements.

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Bring It In

Co-presenters Kathryn Hahn and David Harbour shared a sweet moment backstage.

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Star Power

Edwin Hodge, Skye P. Marshall, Leighton Meester, and Aldis Hodge attend the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. — Edwin Hodge, Skye P. Marshall, Leighton Meester and Aldis Hodge.Michael Kovac/Getty

Edwin Hodge, Skye P. Marshall, Leighton Meester and Aldis Hodge were picture perfect in in the audience.

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To the Nines

Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Shanola Hampton attend the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. — Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Shanola Hampton.Michael Kovac/Getty

Found costars Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Shanola Hampton were dressed to the nines with Hampton rocking a sparkling gown, while the Saved by the Bell alum was dapper in a white tuxedo jacket.

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