irishfilmtv.com

In a moving display of gratitude and humility, Irish actor Colin Farrell captured hearts at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, taking home the prestigious Best Actor award for his remarkable performance in THE PENGUIN, the gripping spin-off series from THE BATMAN universe. The Friday night ceremony at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica became a platform for more than just artistic recognition, as Farrell used his moment in the spotlight to shine a light on true heroism.

“Well, thank you, critics – and I haven’t always felt that!” Farrell quipped with his characteristic charm, before the tone of his acceptance speech shifted to something more profound. In a year marked by devastating fires in Los Angeles, the Dublin native seized the opportunity to pay tribute to the city’s first responders and fire department, some of whom were present as honored guests at the ceremony.

With genuine emotion, Farrell reflected on the often-overlooked sacrifices of emergency services: “It’s so easy to forget what first responders and the fire department do every day, every week, every month, every year, until these fires come and lives are in jeopardy.” His words carried particular weight as he acknowledged the lives and property lost, while praising the tireless, selfless efforts of these everyday heroes who, in his words, demonstrate true civic duty in an increasingly divided world.

The victory adds to Farrell’s growing collection of accolades, including a Golden Globe for the same role. His win came alongside that of his THE PENGUIN co-star Cristin Milioti, who secured Best Actress in a Limited Series for her portrayal of Sofia Falcone. The actor made sure to acknowledge the creative forces behind the series, praising the directors who “took the tone of this show and brought it forward and did it in a seamless way.”

The night also highlighted Irish talent beyond Farrell, with fellow countrymen Andrew Scott (RIPLEY), Caitríona Balfe (OUTLANDER), and young Alisha Weir (ABIGAIL) among the nominees. In a lighthearted moment concluding his speech, Farrell playfully searched the room for fellow winner Kathy Bates, promising to “be over there in a minute!”

The ceremony, hosted by Chelsea Handler, represented the collective voice of over 525 media critics and entertainment journalists from the Critics’ Choice Association, celebrating excellence across film and television. Yet it was Farrell’s heartfelt tribute to real-life heroes that transformed a typical awards show moment into a powerful reminder of the true meaning of service and community.