You could call The Critics’ Choice Awards the warm-up show to the Academy Awards, but last night’s winners gave a strong indication on who might take home Hollywood’s top honor. And “The Help” is holding its own.
The blockbuster film won Best Acting Ensemble after going up against “The Artist,” “Bridesmaids,” “The Descendants” and “The Ides of March.” Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard and others made for an excellent cast that has brought in more than $200,000 at the box office.
Up against steep competition, Davis took home Best Actress for her role as Aibileen Clark. The category included seasoned actress Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady), Elizabeth Olsen (Martha Marcy May Marlene), Tilda Swinton (We Need to Talk About Kevin), Charlize Theron (Young Adult) and Michelle Williams (My Week With Marilyn).
Spencer also picked up an award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Minny Jackson. Cast mate Jessica Chastain, Berenice Bejo (The Artist), Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids), Carey Mulligan (Shame) and Shailene Woodley (The Descendants) were among the nominees.
Up next: the Golden Globes. The film is nominated for Best Motion Picture- Drama, Best Actress (Davis), Best Supporting Actress (Spencer, Chastain) and Best Original Song (“The Living Proof”).
The 84th Annual Academy Award nominations will be announced Jan. 24.