Rousing Speech From Halle Berry, Billy Crystal Has Fun Critics Choice Awards

The 27th annual Critics Choice Awards celebrated the best in television and film at a glittering ceremony here at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel. Jane Campions 'The Power of the Dog', as reported by IANS, and the comedy drama series 'Ted Lasso' led the night's winners with four trophies each. The dark comedy series 'Succession' took home three awards.

The night's big moment came when Halle Berry received the See Her Award from Issa Rae, who joked that the Critics Choice Association, the organisers of the awards, only fed the attendees hummus and wine, so reading the teleprompter might be a little challenging, reports 'Variety'.

Berry, however, delivered a passionate speech of her own, thanking Rae for inspiring her with her work. "You have rearranged the way we see ourselves as women of colour on television and in the world," she said.

As she reflected on her career, Berry revealed that she used to think she was "winning" by playing a part for a white man. But those roles didn't really work. Why?

"Because I'm not a white man," she said, according to 'Variety'. "So, for those roles to work, they would have to be substantially changed. It would have to be written with the reality of my journey, in all of its beauty, and all of its pain."

Berry continued: "This is why I am so grateful to be standing and living in this moment where women are standing up and we are telling our own stories. … We will write, we will produce, we will direct and — if we're brave enough — will star in it all at the same time. We will use our emotional intelligence, and we will tell stories that don't fit preconceived notions."

On a night of inspiring speeches, 'Ted Lasso' star Hannah Waddingham, standing alongside cast mates Brett Goldstein and Juno Temple, became emotional as she spoke about the Ukraine war. (Waddingham and Goldstein nabbed back-to-back honours for supporting actor and actress.)

"It would be remiss of us to not throw the focus to the most important thing that is happening in the world at the moment," she said. "Our beautiful brothers and sisters and for me more importantly, the babies in Ukraine, who are being decimated at the moment from this putrid, putrid torrent of abuse."

Waddingham continued: "Please think of them as much as you can and give as much as you can. We are so grateful for this, but may this stop. May this stop, please."

During the telecast, late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel was on hand to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Billy Crystal — one day before the showbiz icon's "seventy-blank" birthday, reports 'Variety'. He later noted he'll actually be "74 tomorrow; I just can't remember." (IANS)

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