The Critics' Choice Super Awards

The Critics' Choice Super Awards is a televised award show that aired on The CW in 2021. It was a unique, trailblazing ceremony designed to honor the most exceptional and outstanding achievements in genres that are often overlooked by more traditional awards shows. Specifically, this celebration was all about the cinematic and televisual worlds of Superhero / Comic Book, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Action, and Animation.

The main purpose of the Critics' Choice Super Awards was to champion and acknowledge talents and works in these categories that are typically loved by both viewers and critics alike, but often go unrecognized in mainstream award shows. By giving these popular genres their own dedicated awards night, the Critics' Choice Super Awards aimed to shine a spotlight on the artists and creatives working in this field, thereby further elevating the genre's profile within the film and television industry.

The award show was a creation of the Critics' Choice Association (CCA), a professional organization of television, radio and online critics. The CCA is the largest critics’ organization in the United States and Canada and is known for honoring the finest achievements in film and television. With the Super Awards, they expanded their spectrum to celebrate the best the genres have to offer and contribute to the global entertainment scene.

Recognizing the unique abilities and challenges faced by performers and creators in these genres, the Super Awards bestowed honors in individual categories that are rarities in traditional award shows. These included Best Actor and Actress, Best Voice Actor and Actress, Best Animated Series, and Best Superhero Movie, among others. These categories give the opportunity for recognizing lesser-known or independently produced movies and series that might not otherwise receive recognition on the awards stage.

As for the format of the show, viewers were treated to a sleek and glamorous event that blended elements of traditional award shows with an edgier, more enticing atmosphere fitting for the genres being celebrated. While the glitz and excitement of a typical Hollywood award show were evident, the Critics’ Choice Super Awards was imbued with an inherently fun and slightly unconventional sense of spirit. Presenters and honorees spanned across the Hollywood landscape, from beloved household names to emerging talents.

The artistic direction and visual aesthetics of the award show complemented the multifaceted genres it represented. Drawing on elements of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and more, it created a mesmerizing experience for audiences and participants alike. From the moment you began watching, it was evident that this was not your typical awards ceremony. With enchanting backdrops, striking displays, and unique intermissions, the show embraced its dedicated genres, promising excitement, fun and the unexpected.

In terms of nominations, films and television shows considered for the Super Awards were evaluated on various aspects of their production, from screenplay and direction to performances and production design. The result was – as should be expected – an eclectic mix of widely recognized projects and less mainstream titles, offering a broad overview of the quality and diversity present in these genres.

The Critics' Choice Super Awards represents a significant step forward for genres that often fly under the radar of other awards shows. It offers richly-deserved recognition to an eclectic mix of films and TV shows, validating the efforts of countless creatives who pour their heart and soul into these genre projects. It’s a celebration of imagination and brilliant artistry in less conventional storytelling, making it one of the most exciting, offbeat and popular events on the showbiz calendar.

Overall, the Critics' Choice Super Awards brought a fresh perspective to the awards scene. Underscoring the diverse range of talent and innovation within these genres, the event proved to be a daring, dynamic presentation that captivated audiences and celebrated the creative forces behind some of the most popular and critically acclaimed cinema and television of the past year. It highlighted where the industry is moving—towards a future where all genres are honored, and storytelling in its most imaginative forms is celebrated.