Tom Holland and Alfred Molina in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures)
Lee Jung-Jae (center) in “Squid Game” (Photo by Noh Juhan/Netflix)
Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen in “WandaVision” (Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios)
The following is a press release from the Critics Choice Association:
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) announced today the winners of the 2nd annual Critics Choice Super Awards, honoring the most popular, fan-obsessed genres across both movies and television, including Superhero, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Horror, and Action.
“Spider-Man: No Way Home” led the film winners this year, garnering three awards overall. The film was awarded Best Superhero Movie, while Andrew Garfield took the prize for Best Actor in a Superhero Movie, and Willem Dafoe won Best Villain in a Movie.
“Squid Game” and “WandaVision” tied for most series wins, earning three awards each. “Squid Game” swept the Action Series categories, with Lee Jung-jae winning Best Actor in an Action Series, HoYeon Jung winning Best Actress in an Action Series, and the show taking home the Best Action Series award. “WandaVision” was named Best Superhero Series, and Elizabeth Olsen was awarded Best Actress in a Superhero Series, while her co-star Kathryn Hahn won Best Villain in a Series.
“This year’s slate of Critics Choice Super Awards nominees and winners represents the absolute best in genre storytelling,” said Sean O’Connell, Critics Choice Super Awards Branch President. “It’s an honor to showcase these incredible accomplishments in Horror, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Comic Book films and television. The Super Awards will proudly continue to shine a brighter light on the talented people telling stories in these fields.”
Follow the Critics Choice Super Awards on Twitter and Instagram @CriticsChoice and on Facebook/CriticsChoiceAwards.
About the Critics Choice Association (CCA)
The Critics Choice Association is the largest critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 525 media critics and entertainment journalists. It was established in 2019 with the formal merger of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association, recognizing the intersection between film, television, and streaming content. For more information, visit: CriticsChoice.com.
The full list of winners can be found below.
FILM WINNERS FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL CRITICS CHOICE SUPER AWARDS
BEST ACTION MOVIE
No Time to Die (United Artists)
BEST ACTOR IN AN ACTION MOVIE
Daniel Craig – No Time to Die (United Artists)
BEST ACTRESS IN AN ACTION MOVIE
Jodie Comer – The Last Duel (Disney)
BEST SUPERHERO MOVIE
Spider-Man: No Way Home (Sony)
BEST ACTOR IN A SUPERHERO MOVIE
Andrew Garfield – Spider-Man: No Way Home (Sony)
BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPERHERO MOVIE
Florence Pugh – Black Widow (Disney)
BEST HORROR MOVIE
A Quiet Place Part II (Paramount)
BEST ACTOR IN A HORROR MOVIE
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II – Candyman (Universal)
BEST ACTRESS IN A HORROR MOVIE
Agathe Rousselle – Titane (NEON)
BEST SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY MOVIE
Dune (Warner Bros.)
BEST ACTOR IN A SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY MOVIE
Dev Patel – The Green Knight (A24)
BEST ACTRESS IN A SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY MOVIE
Rebecca Ferguson – Dune (Warner Bros.)
BEST VILLAIN IN A MOVIE
Willem Dafoe – Spider-Man: No Way Home (Sony)
SERIES WINNERS FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL CRITICS CHOICE SUPER AWARDS
BEST ACTION SERIES
Squid Game (Netflix)
BEST ACTOR IN AN ACTION SERIES
Lee Jung-jae – Squid Game (Netflix)
BEST ACTRESS IN AN ACTION SERIES
HoYeon Jung – Squid Game (Netflix)
BEST SUPERHERO SERIES
WandaVision (Disney+)
BEST ACTOR IN A SUPERHERO SERIES
Tom Hiddleston – Loki (Disney+)
BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPERHERO SERIES
Elizabeth Olsen – WandaVision (Disney+)
BEST HORROR SERIES
Yellowjackets (Showtime)
BEST ACTOR IN A HORROR SERIES
Hamish Linklater – Midnight Mass (Netflix)
BEST ACTRESS IN A HORROR SERIES
Melanie Lynskey – Yellowjackets (Showtime)
BEST SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY SERIES
Station Eleven (HBO Max)
BEST ACTOR IN A SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY SERIES
Daveed Diggs – Snowpiercer (TNT)
BEST ACTRESS IN A SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY SERIES
Mackenzie Davis – Station Eleven (HBO Max)
BEST VILLAIN IN A SERIES
Kathryn Hahn – WandaVision (Disney+)
WINNERS BY FILM FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL CRITICS CHOICE SUPER AWARDS
A Quiet Place Part II (Paramount) – 1
Best Horror Movie
Black Widow (Disney) – 1
Best Actress in a Superhero Movie – Florence Pugh
Candyman (Universal) – 1
Best Actor in a Horror Movie – Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Dune (Warner Bros.) – 2
Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie
Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie – Rebecca Ferguson
No Time to Die (United Artists) – 2
Best Action Movie
Best Actor in an Action Movie – Daniel Craig
Spider-Man: No Way Home (Sony) – 3
Best Superhero Movie
Best Actor in a Superhero Movie – Andrew Garfield
Best Villain in a Movie – Willem Dafoe
The Green Knight (A24) – 1
Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie – Dev Patel
The Last Duel (Disney) – 1
Best Actress in an Action Movie – Jodie Comer
Titane (NEON) – 1
Best Actress in a Horror Movie – Agathe Rousselle
WINNERS BY SERIES FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL CRITICS CHOICE SUPER AWARDS
Loki (Disney+) – 1
Best Actor in a Superhero Series – Tom Hiddleston
Midnight Mass (Netflix) – 1
Best Actor in a Horror Series – Hamish Linklater
Snowpiercer (TNT) – 1
Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series – Daveed Diggs
Squid Game (Netflix) – 3
Best Action Series
Best Actor in an Action Series – Lee Jung-jae
Best Actress in an Action Series – HoYeon Jung
Station Eleven (HBO Max) – 2
Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Series
Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series – Mackenzie Davis
WandaVision (Disney+) – 3
Best Superhero Series
Best Actress in a Superhero Series – Elizabeth Olsen
Best Villain in a Series – Kathryn Hahn
Yellowjackets (Showtime) – 2
Best Horror Series
Best Actress in a Horror Series – Melanie Lynskey
Access TV Series Winner Graphics Here:
Watch Acceptance Speeches Here:
Best Superhero Movie – Spider-Man: No Way Home:
Best Horror Movie – A Quiet Place Part II:
Best Actor in a Horror Movie – Yahya Abdul-Mateen II – Candyman:
Best Action Series – Squid Game:
Best Actor in an Action Series – Lee Jung-jae – Squid Game:
Best Actress in an Action Series – HoYeon Jung – Squid Game:
Best Horror Series – Yellowjackets:
Best Actor in a Horror Series – Hamish Linklater – Midnight Mass:
Best Actress in a Horror Series – Melanie Lynskey – Yellowjackets:
Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Series – Station Eleven:
Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series – Daveed Diggs – Snowpiercer:
Best Villain in a Series – Kathryn Hahn – WandaVision:
Meng’er Zhang, Simu Liu and Awkwafina in “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” (Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios)
Tom Holland and Alfred Molina in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures)
Katja Herbers,
Mike Colter and Aasif Mandvi in “Evil” (Photo by Elizabeth Fisher/CBS/Paramount+)
Hamish Linklater in “Midnight Mass” (Photo by Eike Schroter/Netflix)
The following is a press release from the Critics Choice Association:
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) announced today the nominees for the 2nd Annual Critics Choice Super Awards, honoring the most popular, fan-obsessed genres across both television and movies, including Superhero, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Horror, and Action. Winners will be revealed on Thursday, March 17, 2022.
“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” lead this year’s film nominations, with five nods apiece including Best Superhero Movie. Both Tony Leung and Simu Liu garnered Best Actor in a Superhero Movie nods for their performances in “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” while Michelle Yeoh is up for Best Actress in a Superhero Movie, and Tony Leung could also take home the award for Best Villain in a Movie. The cast of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” also earned top acting nods, with both Tom Holland and Andrew Garfield recognized with Best Actor in a Superhero Movie nominations. Additionally, Zendaya is up for Best Actress in a Superhero Movie, and Willem Dafoe could take home the trophy for Best Villain in a Movie.
“Evil” and “Midnight Mass” tied for the most television nominations, with each earning six nods including Best Horror Series. Mike Colter and Aasif Mandvi from “Evil” garnered nominations for Best Actor in a Horror Series, while Katja Herbers and Christine Lahti are vying for Best Actress in a Horror Series, and Michael Emerson earned a nod for Best Villain in a Series. Meanwhile, “Midnight Mass” also has two actors, Zach Gilford and Hamish Linklater, competing in the category of Best Actor in a Horror Series. Both Kate Siegel and Samantha Sloyan are up for Best Actress in a Horror Series, and Sloyan was also nominated for Best Villain in a Series.
The full list of nominees can be found below.
Follow the Critics Choice Super Awards on Twitter and Instagram @CriticsChoice and on Facebook/CriticsChoiceAwards.
About the Critics Choice Association (CCA)
The Critics Choice Association is the largest critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 525 media critics and entertainment journalists. It was established in 2019 with the formal merger of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association, recognizing the intersection between film, television, and streaming content. For more information, visit: CriticsChoice.
FILM NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL CRITICS CHOICE SUPER AWARDS
BEST ACTION MOVIE
Gunpowder Milkshake
The Harder They Fall
The Last Duel
Nobody
No Time to Die
Wrath of Man
BEST ACTOR IN AN ACTION MOVIE
Daniel Craig – No Time to Die
Dwayne Johnson – Jungle Cruise
Jonathan Majors – The Harder They Fall
Mads Mikkelsen – Riders of Justice
Liam Neeson – The Ice Road
Bob Odenkirk – Nobody
BEST ACTRESS IN AN ACTION MOVIE
Jodie Comer – The Last Duel
Ana de Armas – No Time to Die
Karen Gillan – Gunpowder Milkshake
Regina King – The Harder They Fall
Lashana Lynch – No Time to Die
Maggie Q – The Protégé
BEST SUPERHERO MOVIE*
Black Widow
Eternals
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Spider-Man: No Way Home
The Suicide Squad
Zack Snyder’s Justice League
BEST ACTOR IN A SUPERHERO MOVIE*
John Cena – The Suicide Squad
Idris Elba – The Suicide Squad
Andrew Garfield – Spider-Man: No Way Home
Tom Holland – Spider-Man: No Way Home
Tony Leung – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Simu Liu – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPERHERO MOVIE*
Gal Gadot – Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Scarlett Johansson – Black Widow
Florence Pugh – Black Widow
Margot Robbie – The Suicide Squad
Michelle Yeoh – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Zendaya – Spider-Man: No Way Home
BEST HORROR MOVIE
Candyman
Last Night in Soho
Malignant
The Night House
A Quiet Place Part II
Titane
BEST ACTOR IN A HORROR MOVIE
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II – Candyman
Nicolas Cage – Willy’s Wonderland
Dave Davis – The Vigil
Vincent Lindon – Titane
Cillian Murphy – A Quiet Place Part II
Sam Richardson – Werewolves Within
BEST ACTRESS IN A HORROR MOVIE
Barbara Crampton – Jakob’s Wife
Rebecca Hall – The Night House
Anya-Taylor Joy – Last Night in Soho
Thomasin McKenzie – Last Night in Soho
Agathe Rousselle – Titane
Millicent Simmonds – A Quiet Place Part II
BEST SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY MOVIE
Don’t Look Up
Dune
Free Guy
The Green Knight
The Mitchells vs. the Machines
Swan Song
BEST ACTOR IN A SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY MOVIE
Mahershala Ali – Swan Song
Timothée Chalamet – Dune
Leonardo DiCaprio – Don’t Look Up
Tom Hanks – Finch
Dev Patel – The Green Knight
Ryan Reynolds – Free Guy
BEST ACTRESS IN A SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY MOVIE
Cate Blanchett – Don’t Look Up
Jodie Comer – Free Guy
Rebecca Ferguson – Dune
Mckenna Grace – Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Jennifer Lawrence – Don’t Look Up
Alicia Vikander – The Green Knight
BEST VILLAIN IN A MOVIE
Ben Affleck – The Last Duel
Willem Dafoe – Spider-Man: No Way Home
Idris Elba – The Harder They Fall
Tony Leung – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Marina Mazepa (performer) & Ray Chase (voice) – Malignant
Tony Todd – Candyman
* Superhero categories also include Comic Book and Video Game Inspired Movies
NOMINATIONS BY FILM FOR THE 2nd ANNUAL CRITICS CHOICE SUPER AWARDS
A Quiet Place Part II – 3
Best Horror Movie
Best Actor in a Horror Movie – Cillian Murphy
Best Actress in a Horror Movie – Millicent Simmonds
Black Widow – 3
Best Superhero Movie
Best Actress in a Superhero Movie – Scarlett Johansson
Best Actress in a Superhero Movie – Florence Pugh
Candyman – 3
Best Horror Movie
Best Actor in a Horror Movie – Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Best Villain in a Movie – Tony Todd
Don’t Look Up – 4
Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie
Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie – Leonardo DiCaprio
Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie – Cate Blanchett
Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie – Jennifer Lawrence
Dune – 3
Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie
Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie – Timothée Chalamet
Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie – Rebecca Ferguson
Eternals – 1
Best Superhero Movie
Finch – 1
Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie – Tom Hanks
Free Guy – 3
Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie
Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie – Ryan Reynolds
Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie – Jodie Comer
Ghostbusters: Afterlife – 1
Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie – Mckenna Grace
Gunpowder Milkshake – 2
Best Action Movie
Best Actress in an Action Movie – Karen Gillan
Jakob’s Wife – 1
Best Actress in a Horror Movie – Barbara Crampton
Jungle Cruise – 1
Best Actor in an Action Movie – Dwayne Johnson
Last Night in Soho – 3
Best Horror Movie
Best Actress in a Horror Movie – Anya-Taylor Joy
Best Actress in a Horror Movie – Thomasin McKenzie
Malignant – 2
Best Horror Movie
Best Villain in a Movie – Marina Mazepa (performer) & Ray Chase (voice)
No Time to Die – 4
Best Action Movie
Best Actor in an Action Movie – Daniel Craig
Best Actress in an Action Movie – Ana de Armas
Best Actress in an Action Movie – Lashana Lynch
Nobody – 2
Best Action Movie
Best Actor in an Action Movie – Bob Odenkirk
Riders of Justice – 1
Best Actor in an Action Movie – Mads Mikkelsen
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – 5
Best Superhero Movie
Best Actor in a Superhero Movie – Tony Leung
Best Actor in a Superhero Movie – Simu Liu
Best Actress in a Superhero Movie – Michelle Yeoh
Best Villain in a Movie – Tony Leung
Spider-Man: No Way Home – 5
Best Superhero Movie
Best Actor in a Superhero Movie – Andrew Garfield
Best Actor in a Superhero Movie – Tom Holland
Best Actress in a Superhero Movie – Zendaya
Best Villain in a Movie – Willem Dafoe
Swan Song – 2
Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie
Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie – Mahershala Ali
The Green Knight – 3
Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie
Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie – Dev Patel
Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie – Alicia Vikander
The Harder They Fall – 4
Best Action Movie
Best Actor in an Action Movie – Jonathan Majors
Best Actress in an Action Movie – Regina King
Best Villain in a Movie – Idris Elba
The Ice Road – 1
Best Actor in an Action Movie – Liam Neeson
The Last Duel – 3
Best Action Movie
Best Actress in an Action Movie – Jodie Comer
Best Villain in a Movie – Ben Affleck
The Mitchells vs. the Machines – 1
Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie
The Night House – 2
Best Horror Movie
Best Actress in a Horror Movie – Rebecca Hall
The Protégé – 1
Best Actress in an Action Movie – Maggie Q
The Suicide Squad – 4
Best Superhero Movie
Best Actor in a Superhero Movie – John Cena
Best Actor in a Superhero Movie – Idris Elba
Best Actress in a Superhero Movie – Margot Robbie
The Vigil – 1
Best Actor in a Horror Movie – Dave Davis
Titane – 3
Best Horror Movie
Best Actor in a Horror Movie – Vincent Lindon
Best Actress in a Horror Movie – Agathe Rousselle
Werewolves Within – 1
Best Actor in a Horror Movie – Sam Richardson
Willy’s Wonderland – 1
Best Actor in a Horror Movie – Nicolas Cage
Wrath of Man – 1
Best Action Movie
Zack Snyder’s Justice League – 2
Best Superhero Movie
Best Actress in a Superhero Movie – Gal Gadot
TELEVISION NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL CRITICS CHOICE SUPER AWARDS
BEST ACTION SERIES
9-1-1
Cobra Ka
Heels
Kung Fu
Lupin
Squid Game
BEST ACTOR IN AN ACTION SERIES
Mike Faist – Panic
Lee Jung-jae – Squid Game
Alexander Ludwig – Heels
Ralph Macchio – Cobra Kai
Omar Sy – Lupin
William Zabka – Cobra Kai
BEST ACTRESS IN AN ACTION SERIES
Angela Bassett – 9-1-1
Kim Joo-ryoung – Squid Game
HoYeon Jung – Squid Game
Queen Latifah – The Equalizer
Olivia Liang – Kung Fu
Mary McCormack – Heels
BEST SUPERHERO SERIES*
Doom Patrol
Hawkeye
Loki
Lucifer
Superman & Lois
WandaVision
BEST ACTOR IN A SUPERHERO SERIES*
Paul Bettany – WandaVision
Tom Ellis – Lucifer
Brendan Fraser – Doom Patrol
Tom Hiddleston – Loki
Tyler Hoechlin – Superman & Lois
Anthony Mackie – The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPERHERO SERIES*
Sophia Di Martino – Loki
Kathryn Hahn – WandaVision
Javicia Leslie – Batwoman
Gugu Mbatha-Raw – Loki
Elizabeth Olsen – WandaVision
Hailee Steinfeld – Hawkeye
BEST HORROR SERIES
Chucky
Dr. Death
Evil
Midnight Mass
Servant
Yellowjackets
BEST ACTOR IN A HORROR SERIES
Adrien Brody – Chapelwaite
Mike Colter – Evil
Zach Gilford – Midnight Mass
Rupert Grint – Servant
Hamish Linklater – Midnight Mass
Aasif Mandvi – Evil
BEST ACTRESS IN A HORROR SERIES
Lauren Ambrose – Servant
Katja Herbers – Evil
Christine Lahti – Evil
Melanie Lynskey – Yellowjackets
Kate Siegel – Midnight Mass
Samantha Sloyan – Midnight Mass
BEST SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY SERIES
Foundation
Resident Alien
Snowpiercer
Star Trek: Discovery
Station Eleven
The Witcher
BEST ACTOR IN A SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY SERIES
Henry Cavill – The Witcher
Daveed Diggs – Snowpiercer
Matthew Goode – A Discovery of Witches
Jared Harris – Foundation
Lee Pace – Foundation
Alan Tudyk – Resident Alien
BEST ACTRESS IN A SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY SERIES
Mackenzie Davis – Station Eleven
Laura Donnelly – The Nevers
Sonequa Martin-Green – Star Trek: Discovery
Teresa Palmer – A Discovery of Witches
Jodie Whittaker – Doctor Who
Alison Wright – Snowpiercer
BEST VILLAIN IN A SERIES
Vincent D’Onofrio – Hawkeye
Michael Emerson – Evil
Kathryn Hahn – WandaVision
Joshua Jackson – Dr. Death
Jonathan Majors – Loki
Samantha Sloyan – Midnight Mass
* Superhero categories also include Comic Book and Video Game Inspired Series
NOMINATIONS BY SERIES FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL CRITICS CHOICE SUPER AWARDS
9-1-1 – 2
Best Action Series
Best Actress in an Action Series – Angela Bassett
A Discovery of Witches – 2
Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series – Matthew Goode
Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series – Teresa Palmer
Batwoman – 1
Best Actress in a Superhero Series – Javicia Leslie
Chapelwaite – 1
Best Actor in a Horror Series – Adrien Brody
Chucky – 1
Best Horror Series
Cobra Kai – 3
Best Action Series
Best Actor in an Action Series – Ralph Macchio
Best Actor in an Action Series – William Zabka
Doctor Who – 1
Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series – Jodie Whittaker
Doom Patrol – 2
Best Superhero Series
Best Actor in a Superhero Series – Brendan Fraser
Dr. Death – 2
Best Horror Series
Best Villain in a Series – Joshua Jackson
Evil – 6
Best Horror Series
Best Actor in a Horror Series – Mike Colter
Best Actor in a Horror Series – Aasif Mandvi
Best Actress in a Horror Series – Katja Herbers
Best Actress in a Horror Series – Christine Lahti
Best Villain in a Series – Michael Emerson
Foundation – 3
Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Series
Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series – Jared Harris
Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series – Lee Pace
Hawkeye – 3
Best Superhero Series
Best Actress in a Superhero Series – Hailee Steinfeld
Best Villain in a Series – Vincent D’Onofrio
Heels – 3
Best Action Series
Best Actor in an Action Series – Alexander Ludwig
Best Actress in an Action Series – Mary McCormack
Kung Fu – 2
Best Action Series
Best Actress in an Action Series – Olivia Liang
Loki – 5
Best Superhero Series
Best Actor in a Superhero Series – Tom Hiddleston
Best Actress in a Superhero Series – Sophia Di Martino
Best Actress in a Superhero Series – Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Best Villain in a Series – Jonathan Majors
Lucifer – 2
Best Superhero Series
Best Actor in a Superhero Series – Tom Ellis
Lupin – 2
Best Action Series
Best Actor in an Action Series – Omar Sy
Midnight Mass – 6
Best Horror Series
Best Actor in a Horror Series – Zach Gilford
Best Actor in a Horror Series – Hamish Linklater
Best Actress in a Horror Series – Kate Siegel
Best Actress in a Horror Series – Samantha Sloyan
Best Villain in a Series – Samantha Sloyan
Panic – 1
Best Actor in an Action Series – Mike Faist
Resident Alien – 2
Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Series
Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series – Alan Tudyk
Servant – 3
Best Horror Series
Best Actor in a Horror Series – Rupert Grint
Best Actress in a Horror Series – Lauren Ambrose
Snowpiercer – 3
Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Series
Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series – Daveed Diggs
Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series – Alison Wright
Squid Game – 4
Best Action Series
Best Actor in an Action Series – Lee Jung-jae
Best Actress in an Action Series – Kim Joo-ryoung
Best Actress in an Action Series – HoYeon Jung
Star Trek: Discovery – 2
Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Series
Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series – Sonequa Martin-Green
Station Eleven – 2
Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Series
Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series – Mackenzie Davis
Superman & Lois – 2
Best Superhero Series
Best Actor in a Superhero Series – Tyler Hoechlin
The Equalizer – 1
Best Actress in an Action Series – Queen Latifah
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier – 1
Best Actor in a Superhero Series – Anthony Mackie
The Nevers – 1
Best Actress in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series – Laura Donnelly
The Witcher – 2
Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Series
Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Series – Henry Cavill
WandaVision – 5
Best Superhero Series
Best Actor in a Superhero Series – Paul Bettany
Best Actress in a Superhero Series – Kathryn Hahn
Best Actress in a Superhero Series – Elizabeth Olsen
Culture Representation: Taking place in New York City, the superhero action film “Spider-Man: No Way Home” features a predominantly white cast of characters (with a few African Americans and Asians) representing the working-class, middle-class and wealthy.
Culture Clash: After 17-year-old Peter Parker has been exposed as the alter ego of Spider-Man, he enlists the help of mystical superhero Doctor Strange to make people forget this secret identity, but Doctor Strange’s spell brings several allies and enemies back from various dimensions of the Spider-Verse.
Culture Audience: Besides appealing to the obvious target audience of comic book movie fans, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” will appeal primarily to people who like nostalgia-filled superhero movies and who are fans of this movie’s star-studded cast.
Tom Holland and Alfred Molina) in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures)
Just like an artist’s greatest-hits box set offered to fans who already own every album by the artist, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” is best appreciated by people who’ve already seen all the previous “Spider-Man” movies. It’s filled with insider jokes that will either delight or annoy viewers, depending on how familiar they are with the cinematic Spider-Verse. Simply put: “Spider-Man: No Way Home” is an epic superhero feast for fans, but it should not be the first “Spider-Man” movie that people should see. There are too many references to other Spider-Man movies that came before “Spider-Man: No Way Home” that just won’t connect very well with people who have not seen enough of the previous “Spider-Man” movies.
Fortunately for the blockbuster “Spider-Man” movie franchise (which launched with 2002’s “Spider-Man,” starring Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker/Spider-Man), most people who watch “Spider-Man: No Way Home” will have already seen at least one previous “Spider-Man” movie. Maguire also starred in 2004’s “Spider-Man 2” and 2007’s “Spider-Man 3.” Andrew Garfield starred as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in two of the reboot movies: 2012’s “The Amazing Spider-Man” and 2014’s “The Amazing Spider-Man 2.” Another “Spider-Man” movie reboot series began with Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, starting with 2017’s “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” and continuing with 2019’s “Spider-Man: Far From Home” and 2021’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”
“Spider-Man: No Way Home” is the third “Spider-Man” movie directed by Jon Watts and co-written by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, the same writer/director team behind 2019’s “Spider-Man: Far From Home.” There were six screenwriters (including Watts, McKenna and Sommers) for 2017’s “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” which was also directed by Watts. The trio of Watts, McKenna and Sommers for three consecutive “Spider-Man” movies has been beneficial to the quality of the filmmaking.
Each “Spider-Man” film that this trio has worked on truly does feel connected to each other, compared to other franchise films where different directors and writers often change the tone of the sequels, and therefore the sequels feel disconnected. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” also makes several references to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which Spider-Man/Peter Parker (as portrayed by Holland) was a big part of, in his alliance with the Avengers. It’s another reason why it’s better to see previous Marvel-related movies with Spider-Man in it before seeing “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”
Because Spider-Man is Marvel Comics’ most popular character, you’d have to be completely shut off from pop culture to not at least know a few things about Spider-Man, such as he got his agility superpowers by accidentally being bit by a radioactive spider. Just like many superheroes, Peter is an orphan: His parents died in a plane crash, so he was raised by an aunt and an uncle. Even with knowledge of these basic facts about Peter Parker/Spider-Man, it really is best to see all or most of the previous “Spider-Man” films, because the jokes will be funnier, and the surprises will be sweeter.
Speaking of surprises, the vast majority of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” has spoiler information. However, it’s enough to give a summary of what to expect in the first 30 minutes of this 148-minute film without revealing any surprises. The beginning of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” picks up right where “Spider-Man: Far From Home” left off: Peter Parker—an intelligent and compassionate 17-year-old student who lives in New York City’s Queens borough—has been exposed as the secret alter ego of superhero Spider-Man. The culprit who exposed him was the villain Mysterio (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), who’s seen briefly in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” in the opening scene that shows the aftermath of this exposé.
All hell breaks loose, because Mysterio has twisted things to make it look like Spider-Man is a villain, not a hero. Peter and his girlfriend MJ (played by Zendaya) are caught in the middle of a crowded New York City street when Peter’s Spider-Man identity is exposed. And the backlash is immediate. Before getting into any harmful physical danger, Spider-Man puts his superhero skills to good use by whisking himself and MJ to safety.
However, the Department of Damage Control quickly detains Peter, MJ, Peter’s best friend Ned Leeds (played by Jacob Batalon) and Peter’s aunt May Parker (played by Marisa Tomei) for questioning. And who shows up to give some legal advice? Attorney/blind superhero Matt Murdock, also known as Daredevil (played by Charlie Cox), who makes a very brief cameo. Matt says, “I don’t think any of the charges will stick. Things will get even worse. There’s still the court of public opinion.”
There’s not enough evidence to hold Peter and his loved ones in the interrogation rooms, so they go back home and ponder their next move. But how long can they stay safe, when people know where Peter lives and where he goes to school? Spider-Man has been branded as a troublemaker by certain people, such as fear-mongering journalist-turned-conspiracy theorist J. Jonah Jameson (played by J.K. Simmons), who no longer works as the editor of the Daily Planet newspaper. Jameson is now anchoring TheDailyPlanet.net, a 24-hour news streaming service.
However, Spider-Man is still a hero or an anti-hero to many more people. When Peter goes back to school the next day, he’s treated like a celebrity. Students surround him to take photos and videos with their phones. Faculty members fawn over him. Conceited and bullying student Flash Thompson (played by Tony Revolori), one of Peter’s nuisances at school, tries to latch on to Peter’s newfound fame by now claiming to be Peter’s best friend. Flash has already written a tell-all memoir to cash in on Peter’s celebrity status.
Peter, MJ (whose real name is Michelle Jones) and Ned are in their last year at Midtown School of Science and Technology. They have plans to go to the prestigious Massachusetts Institution of Technology (MIT) together after they graduate from high school. But due to their high-profile brush with the law, the three pals are worried about their chances of getting into MIT.
This hoped-for MIT enrollment becomes the motivation for Peter to go to fellow New York City-based superhero Doctor Strange (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) to ask for his help. Peter wants Doctor Strange to cast a spell so that people will forget that Peter is really Spider-Man. Doctor Strange is reluctant, but he gives in to Peter’s pleading. As Doctor Strange is casting his Spell of Forgetting, Peter interrupts several times to tell Doctor Strange to exempt some of Peter’s loved ones (such as MJ, Ned and May) from the spell.
Doctor Strange is extremely annoyed, so he cuts the spell short and is able to contain the spell’s powers in a cube-sized box. But some damage has already been done: The spell has opened the multi-verse where anyone who knows who Peter Parker can be summoned and go to the dimension where Peter is. And some of these individuals are villains from past “Spider-Man” movies. Doctor Strange gives Peter/Spider-Man the task of capturing these villains to imprison them in Doctor Strange’s dungeon that looks like a combination of a high-tech jail and a mystical crypt.
The return of some of these villains has already been announced through official publicity and marketing materials released for “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” so it’s not spoiler information. These villains are:
Norman Osborn/Green Goblin (played by Willem Dafoe), from 2002’s “Spider-Man”
Otto Octavius/Doctor Octopus, also known as Doc Ock (played by Alfred Molina), from 2004’s “Spider-Man 2”
Flint Marko/Sandman (played by Thomas Haden Church), from 2007’s “Spider-Man 3”
Dr. Curt Connors/The Lizard (played by Rhys Ifans), from 2012’s “The Amazing Spider-Man”
Max Dillon/Electro (played by Jamie Foxx), from 2014’s “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”
“Spider-Man: No Way Home” has some other surprises, some of which have already been leaked to the public, but won’t be revealed in this review. A few other non-surprise characters in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” include Doctor Strange’s portal-traveling sidekick Wong (played by Benedict Wong), as well as Harold “Happy” Hogan (played by Jon Favreau), Tony Stark/Iron Man’s loyal driver who is now taken on minder duties for Peter. In “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” Happy and May had a fling that ended. Happy fell in love with May and wanted a more serious romance with her, so he is still nursing a broken heart about it in “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”
The movie’s action sequences are among the most memorable in “Spider-Man” movie history, in large part because of the return of so many characters from the past. A lengthy part of the movie that takes place on the Statue of Liberty will be talked about by fans for years. Because so much of “Spider-Man” relies heavily on people knowing the history of this movie franchise to fully understand the plot developments and a lot of the dialogue, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” will probably be a “love it or hate it” film.
The movie’s mid-credits scene directly correlates to the mid-credits scene for 2021’s “Venom: Let There Be Carnage.” And the end-credits scene for “Spider-Man: No Way Home” features a glimpse into the world of Doctor Strange. People should know by now that movies with Marvel characters have mid-credits scenes and/or end-credits scenes that are essentially teasers for an upcoming Marvel superhero movie or TV series.
“Spider-Man: No Way Home” has some wisecracking that seems a little too self-congratulatory, but those smug moments are balanced out with some heartfelt emotional scenes. And all the jumping around from one universe dimension to the next might be a little too confusing to viewers who are new to the Spider-Verse. Some people might accuse “Spider-Man: No Way Home” of overstuffing the movie with too much nostalgic stunt casting as gimmicks. However, die-hard fans of the franchise will be utterly thrilled by seeing these familiar characters and will be fully engaged in finding out what happens to them in this very entertaining superhero adventure.
Columbia Pictures will release “Spider-Man: No Way Home” in U.S. cinemas on December 17, 2021.
