HOLLYWOOD—An awards ceremony that doesn’t score the highest points in my book, the Critics Choice Awards was held on Thursday, January 15.  As a movie lover, there appears to be a level of groupthink with most critics that I just hate, so I will say I was a bit thrilled with some of the nominations for the Academy Awards.

Surprises tend to send everyone in overload. It’s okay to not agree with everyone else, it’s okay to venture outside of the box and disagree with the masses, even if you’re shun for it. The ceremony was hosted by NFL alum and TV host Michael Strahan.

The big winner of the night was the film “Boyhood” that took home a total of four awards including Best Picture. Taking home six awards was the dark comedy “Birdman” which won accolades for Michael Keaton who took home two prizes: Best Actor in a Comedy and Best Actor.

I’m going to argue it right now; Keaton could be in the driver seat for the Best Actor Academy Award come February. He definitely has the emotional aspect of the underdog going for him. A list of this year’s winners can be seen below.

Best Picture

-“Boyhood”

Best Director

-Richard Linklater “Boyhood”

Best Actor

-Michael Keaton “Birdman”

Best Actress

-Julianne Moore “Still Alice”

Best Supporting Actor

-J.K. Simmons “Whiplash’

Best Supporting Actress

-Patricia Arquette “Boyhood”

Best Young Actor/Actress

-Ellar Coltrane “Boyhood”

Best Acting Ensemble

-Birdman

Best Original Screenplay

-“Birdman”

Best Adapted Screenplay

-“Gone Girl”

Best Animated Feature

-“The Lego Movie”

Best Action Movie

-“Guardians of the Galaxy”

Best Actor in an Action Movie

-Bradley Cooper “American Sniper”

Best Actress in an Action Movie

-Emily Blunt “Edge of Tomorrow”

Best Comedy

-“The Grand Budapest Hotel”

Best Song

-“Glory” from the film Selma

Best Score

-“Birdman”