Hollywood Creative Alliance
Formation2016
FounderScott Menzel
PurposeFilm Critics
Location
CEO
Scott Menzel
Websitehollywoodcreative.org
Formerly called
Hollywood Critics Association

The Hollywood Creative Alliance (HCA) is a film critic organization in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 2016 as the Los Angeles Online Film Critics Society and renamed in 2019 to Hollywood Critics Association.[1] In 2023, the organization changed its name a second time,[2] and rebranded its awards as the Astra Awards.[3]

History

Organization

In 2016, Scott Menzel, Scott Mantz, and Ashley Menzel noted that Los Angeles only had one film critic organization.[4] They founded the Los Angeles Online Film Critics Society to be a critics group that is diverse and supports underrepresented voices.[4] The group originally separated directing honors by gender.[5] "There has been so much conversation about the power of female filmmakers and we wanted to embrace it," said Scott Mantz.[6]

On August 30, 2022, The Hollywood Reporter reported that nine of the group's members had recently resigned, "roughly 7 percent of its membership tally just two weeks ago" as a result of one member's actions and ultimate removal "for violating numerous HCA bylaws, including harassment, bullying, slander, sharing member-only information with non-members and breaking the code of conduct." The member was then threatened with legal action by the organization and went public. The article added that the group "which is comprised almost entirely of young writers from small independent outlets — has come increasing skepticism, from both inside and outside the group’s membership, about the financial and ethical conduct of its leadership."[7]

The Hollywood Critics Association continues to be dogged by controversy and questions regarding its authenticity and validity. On January 9, 2023, the Los Angeles Times ranked the film awards 15th out of 15 events, highlighting its "improbable continued existence" and the co-founder, Scott Menzel, being “obsessed” with Kristen Stewart, to whom he presented an award.[8]

On June 2, 2023, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that HCA President Nikki Fowler had resigned from the organization citing a "hostile, biased" work environment.[9] On June 14, 2023, The Wrap announced that the Hollywood Critics Association was going to "restructure" amid accusations of racial bias.[10] The announcement came after Fowler went public with accusations against the executive team and board, including co-founder, Scott Menzel, who remains at the head of the organization.

On August 28, 2023, the organization changed its name to Hollywood Creative Alliance with the guidance of corporate operation strategist Leslie Short of the Cavu Group. Under Short's instruction, the HCA was reformed as a 501 c6 membership-based non-profit organization.[2][11][12]

Awards history

On January 10, 2018, the group held its first annual Film Awards at the Taglyan Complex in Los Angeles.[13] In early 2019, the HCA had a film discussion podcast called "Film Critics Weekly" on the defunct online broadcasting network "Popcorn Talk".[14] On August 29, 2021, the HCA held its inaugural Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards. The event was originally to take place in-person but was shifted to virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[15] Ashley Menzel said, "Over these past 14 months, many of us have been watching more television than ever before. This is why we are absolutely delighted that our first in-person event for 2021 will begin with a brand-new event paying tribute to the best of television".[16]

On February 28, 2022, the HCA held its 5th Annual Film Awards at the Avalon Hollywood. Apple TV+'s CODA took home Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Troy Kotsur. Kristen Stewart won Best Actress for her role in Spencer and Andrew Garfield won Best Actor for his performance in Tick, Tick... BOOM!.[17] On August 13 and 14, 2022, the HCA hosted their 2nd Annual HCA TV Awards at the Beverly Hilton. The two-night event dedicated one night to broadcast and cable networks and the other to streaming platforms. Dulcé Sloan hosted night one while Cameron Esposito hosted night two.[18]

On October 13, 2022, HCA President Nikki Fowler announced the Inaugural Creative Arts Awards, "dedicated to celebrating those behind the scenes who don't often get the level of recognition they deserve."[19] On December 15, 2022, Variety shared the list of nominations for the 6th Annual HCA Film Awards and the Inaugural HCA Creative Arts Awards noting that A24's Everything Everywhere All at Once leads the HCA Film Awards total nominations with 16.[20] On February 16, 2023, The Hollywood Critics Association announced a new partnership with KNEKT Television Network where the Film Awards would be live-streamed on their network in addition to the official HCA App and YouTube channel.[21]

On February 24, 2023, The 6th Annual HCA Film Awards took place at the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel. A24's Everything Everywhere All At Once took home a total of six awards.[22] On June 27, 2023, Awards Daily revealed the 2023 HCA Midseason Movie Awards nominees.[23] Amazon Studios' Air and A24's Past Lives tied for the most nominations with seven each. On June 30, 2023, Gold Derby revealed the 2023 HCA Midseason Movie Awards winners.[24] Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was awarded Best Picture and Best Director. Past Lives won the most awards with three wins, including Best Actress for Greta Lee, Best Screenplay for Celine Song, and Best Indie Film.

In December 2023, HCA renamed its awards to the Astra Awards.[3]

Board of directors

The board of directors and officers of the organization, as of 2023, are:

  • Scott Menzel, President & Co-CEO
  • Yong Chavez, Vice President & Co-CEO
  • Jeandra LeBeauf, Head of Member Engagement
  • Morgan Rojas, Secretary
  • Louis Valentine, Treasurer

Fund-raising

In 2020, the Hollywood Critics Association organized a Film & Television Triviathon to collect funds for Covid-19 recovery.[25]

Film Award categories

Each December, the association releases the nominations for the HCA Film Awards, which are held in January of the following year.[6]

Current categories

  • Best Picture (since 2017)
  • Best Actor (since 2017)
  • Best Actress (since 2017)
  • Best Supporting Actor (since 2017)
  • Best Supporting Actress (since 2017)
  • Best Animated or VFX Performance (since 2017)
  • Best Original Screenplay (since 2017)
  • Best Adapted Screenplay (since 2017)
  • Best Action Film (since 2017)
  • Best Animated Film (since 2017)
  • Best Documentary (since 2017)
  • Best Indie Film (since 2017)
  • Best Foreign Film (since 2017)
  • Best First Feature (since 2017)
  • Best Stunts (since 2017)
  • Best Ensemble Cast (since 2018)
  • Best Original Song (since 2018)
  • Best Horror (since 2019)
  • Best Short Film (since 2020)
  • Best Director (since 2021)
  • Best Comedy (since 2022)

Discontinued categories

  • Best Blockbuster (2017 to 2019)
  • Best Cinematography (2017 to 2021)
  • Best Comedy or Musical (2017 to 2021)
  • Best Editing (2017 to 2021)
  • Best Female Director (2017 to 2020)
  • Best Male Director (2017 to 2020)
  • Best Sci-Fi/Horror (2017 to 2018)
  • Best Score (2017 to 2021)
  • Best Visual Effects (2017 to 2021)
  • Best Costume Design (2019 to 2021)
  • Best Hair & Makeup (2019 to 2021)
  • Best Production Design (2020 to 2021)

Honorary Awards

  • Trailblazer Award (since 2017)
  • Newcomer Award (since 2018)
  • Acting Achievement Award (since 2018)
  • Filmmaking Achievement Award (since 2019)
  • Artisans Achievement Award (since 2019)
  • Game Changer Award (since 2019)
  • Star on the Rise (since 2019)
  • Filmmaker on the Rise (since 2019)
  • Inspire Award (since 2019)
  • Spotlight Award (since 2019)
  • Timeless Award (since 2020)

End of a Decade Awards

  • Filmmaker of the Decade Award (2019 only)
  • Actress of the Decade Award (2019 only)
  • Actor of the Decade Award (2019 only)
  • Producer of the Decade Award (2019 only)
  • Next Generation Award

Midseason Award categories

Halfway through the year, the association releases the nominations for the HCA Midseason Film Awards, which honor films that come out in the first half of the respected year. The nominations are announced the last week of June, and winners are announced the first week of July.

Current Categories

  • Best Picture (since 2018)
  • Best Actor (since 2018)
  • Best Actress (since 2018)
  • Best Supporting Actor (since 2018)
  • Best Supporting Actress (since 2018)
  • Most Anticipated Film (since 2018)
  • Best Indie Film (since 2019)
  • Best Director (since 2021)
  • Best Screenplay (since 2021)
  • Best Horror (since 2022)
  • Best Stunts (since 2023)

Discontinued categories

  • Best Female Director (2018 to 2020)
  • Best Male Director (2018 to 2020)
  • Best Original Screenplay (2018 to 2020)
  • Best Adapted Screenplay (2018 to 2020)
  • Best Documentary (2020 only)

TV Award categories

The Hollywood Critics Association announced that they were launching the HCA TV Awards on March 24, 2021.[26] The inaugural TV awards ceremony took place on August 22, 2021.[27] The following is a list of the current and discontinued categories of the television awards as of 2023.[28]

Current categories

  • Best Actor in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy (since 2021)
  • Best Actor in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Drama (since 2021)
  • Best Actor in a Streaming Series, Comedy (since 2021)
  • Best Actor in a Streaming Series, Drama (since 2021)
  • Best Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy (since 2021)
  • Best Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Drama (since 2021)
  • Best Actress in a Streaming Series, Comedy (since 2021)
  • Best Actress in a Streaming Series, Drama (since 2021)
  • Best Broadcast Network Series, Comedy (since 2021)
  • Best Broadcast Network Series, Drama (since 2021)
  • Best Cable Series, Comedy (since 2021)
  • Best Cable Series, Drama (since 2021)
  • Best Streaming Series, Comedy (since 2021)
  • Best Streaming Series, Drama (since 2021)
  • Best Supporting Actor in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy (since 2021)
  • Best Supporting Actor in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Drama (since 2021)
  • Best Supporting Actor in a Streaming Series, Comedy (since 2021)
  • Best Supporting Actor in a Streaming Series, Drama (since 2021)
  • Best Supporting Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy (since 2021)
  • Best Supporting Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Drama (since 2021)
  • Best Supporting Actress in a Streaming Series, Comedy (since 2021)
  • Best Supporting Actress in a Streaming Series, Drama (since 2021)
  • Best Actor in a Broadcast Network or Cable Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)
  • Best Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)
  • Best Actor in a Streaming Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)
  • Best Actress in a Streaming Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)
  • Best Broadcast Network or Cable Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)
  • Best Broadcast Network or Cable Live-Action Television Movie (since 2022)
  • Best Directing in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy (since 2022)
  • Best Directing in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Drama (since 2022)
  • Best Directing in a Broadcast Network or Cable Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)
  • Best Directing in a Streaming Series, Comedy (since 2022)
  • Best Directing in a Streaming Series, Drama (since 2022)
  • Best Directing in a Streaming Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)
  • Best Streaming Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)
  • Best Streaming Movie (since 2022)
  • Best Supporting Actor in a Broadcast Network or Cable Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)
  • Best Supporting Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)
  • Best Supporting Actor in a Streaming Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)
  • Best Supporting Actress in a Streaming Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)
  • Best Writing in a Broadcast Network or Cables Series, Comedy (since 2022)
  • Best Writing in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Drama (since 2022)
  • Best Writing in a Broadcast Network or Cable Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)
  • Best Writing in a Streaming Series, Comedy (since 2022)
  • Best Writing in a Streaming Series, Drama (since 2022)
  • Best Writing in a Streaming Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)

Discontinued categories

  • Best Broadcast Network or Cable Docuseries, Documentary Television Movie, or Non-Fiction Series (2021 to 2022)
  • Best Broadcast Network or Cable Sketch Series, Variety Series, Talk Show or Comedy/Variety Special (2021 to 2022)
  • Best Streaming Docuseries, Documentary Television Movie, or Non-Fiction Series (2021 to 2022)
  • Best Streaming Variety Sketch Series, Talk Series, or Special (2021 to 2022)
  • Best Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Television Movie (2021 only)
  • Best Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or Television Movie (2021 only)
  • Best Animated Series or Animated Television Movie (2021 only)
  • Best Broadcast Network or Cable Limited Series, Anthology Series or Live-Action Television Movie (2021 only)
  • Best Broadcast Network Reality Series, Competition Series, or Game Show (2021 only)
  • Best Cable or Streaming Reality Series, Competition Series, or Game Show (2021 only)
  • Best Streaming Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Live-Action Television Movie (2021 only)
  • Best Streaming Sketch Series, Variety Series, Talk Show, or Comedy/Variety Special (2021 only)
  • Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Television Movie (2021 only)
  • Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Television Movie (2021 only)
  • Best Broadcast Network or Cable Animated Series or Television Movie (2022 only)
  • Best Broadcast Network or Cable Reality Show or Competition Series (2022 only)
  • Best Comedy or Standup Special (2022 only)
  • Best Game Show (2022 only)
  • Best International Series (2022 only)
  • Best Short Form Animation Series (2022 only)
  • Best Short Form Comedy or Drama Series (2022 only)
  • Best Short Form Documentary or Non-Fiction Series (2022 only)
  • Best Streaming Animated Series or Television Movie (2022 only)
  • Best Streaming Reality Show or Competition Series (2022 only)

Honorary Awards

  • Legacy Award (since 2021)
  • Virtuoso Award (since 2021)
  • Impact Award (since 2021)
  • TV Icon Award (since 2021)
  • Pop Culture Icon Award (since 2021)
  • TV Breakout Star Award (since 2021)
  • Spotlight Award (since 2021)

Creative Arts Film categories

The Hollywood Critics Association announced the launch of the HCA Creative Arts Film Awards on October 13, 2022. The inaugural Creative Awards Awards ceremony took place on February 24, 2023.[29] The following is a list of the current categories of the Creative Arts Film awards as of 2022.

Current categories

  • Best Casting Director (since 2022)
  • Best Cinematography (since 2022)
  • Best Costume Design (since 2022)
  • Best Editing (since 2022)
  • Best Hair & Make-Up (since 2022)
  • Best Marketing Campaign (since 2022)
  • Best Production Design (since 2022)
  • Best Score (since 2022)
  • Best Sound (since 2022)
  • Best Visual Effects (since 2022)

Creative Arts TV categories

Along with announcement of the 3rd HCA TV Awards, the Hollywood Critics Association announced the launch of the HCA Creative Arts TV Awards along with the TV awards, the inaugural Creative Awards TV Awards ceremony date has yet to be announced due to the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes. The following is a list of the current categories of the Creative Arts awards as of 2023.[30]

Current categories

  • Best Broadcast Network or Cable Animated Series or Television Movie (since 2023)
  • Best Broadcast Network or Cable Comedy Special (since 2023)
  • Best Broadcast Network or Cable Documentary TV Movie (since 2023)
  • Best Broadcast Network or Cable Docuseries or Non-Fiction Series (since 2023)
  • Best Broadcast Network Reality Show or Competition Series (since 2023)
  • Best Cable Reality Show or Competition Series (since 2023)
  • Best Casting in a Limited Series or TV Movie (since 2023)
  • Best Casting in a Series, Comedy (since 2023)
  • Best Casting in a Series, Drama (since 2023)
  • Best Contemporary Costumes (since 2023)
  • Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Costumes (since 2023)
  • Best Game Show (since 2023)
  • Best Guest Actor in a Series, Comedy (since 2023)
  • Best Guest Actor in a Series, Drama (since 2023)
  • Best Guest Actress in a Series, Comedy (since 2023)
  • Best Guest Actress in a Series, Drama (since 2023)
  • Best International Series (since 2023)
  • Best Main Title Design (since 2023)
  • Best Original Song (since 2023)
  • Best Period Costumes (since 2023)
  • Best Score in a Comedy Series (since 2023)
  • Best Score in a Drama Series (since 2023)
  • Best Score in a Limited Series or TV Movie (since 2023)
  • Best Short Form Series (since 2023)
  • Best Streaming Animated Series or Television Movie (since 2023)
  • Best Streaming Comedy Special (since 2023)
  • Best Streaming Documentary Movie (since 2023)
  • Best Streaming Docuseries or Non-Fiction Series (since 2023)
  • Best Streaming Reality Show or Competition Series (since 2023)
  • Best Stunts (since 2023)
  • Best Talk Show (since 2023)
  • Best Variety Series or Variety Special (since 2023)
  • Best Voice-Over Performance (since 2023)

Award ceremonies

Film

Midseason

TV

Creative Arts Film

Creative Arts TV

References

  1. ↑ Schneider, Michael (March 24, 2021). "Hollywood Critics Association Launches New TV Awards, First to Separate Streaming From Broadcast/Cable". Variety. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  2. 1 2 "HCA Unveils Initial Plans to Expand the Organization". Hollywood Creative Alliance. August 28, 2023. Archived from the original on October 23, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  3. 1 2 Schneider, Michael (December 1, 2023). "HCA Awards Rebrands as 'The Astra Awards'; Jeffrey Wright, Abby Ryder Fortson, Glenn Howerton to Receive Honors (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on December 3, 2023. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  4. 1 2 "About Us". LA Online Film Critics Society. 2017. Retrieved January 11, 2019.
  5. ↑ Rizzo, Carita (January 11, 2017). "'Shape of Water,' 'Lady Bird' Win Top Honors at L.A. Online Film Critics Society Awards". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 11, 2019.
  6. 1 2 Achar, Alberto (December 5, 2017). "New Film Critics Group Separates Best Director Category Between Men and Women for 2017 Nominations". Indiewire. Retrieved January 11, 2019.
  7. ↑ Feinberg, Scott (August 30, 2022). "Hollywood Critics Association in Turmoil as Numerous Members Resign, Including President, Amid Questions About Finances and Voting". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  8. ↑ "Awards show power rankings, from worst to first". Los Angeles Times. January 9, 2023. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  9. ↑ "Hollywood Critics Association President Resigns, Citing "Hostile, Biased" Work Environment (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  10. ↑ "Hollywood Critics Association to Restructure Amid Accusations of Racial Bias". June 14, 2023. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
  11. ↑ Schneider, Michael (August 27, 2023). "Hollywood Critics Association Reveals New Name, Restructuring Following Controversies (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on October 23, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  12. ↑ The Hindu Bureau (August 28, 2023). "Hollywood Critics Association renamed Hollywood Creative Alliance amid controversy". The Hindu. Archived from the original on October 23, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  13. ↑ Rizzo, Carita (January 11, 2018). "'Shape of Water,' 'Lady Bird' Win Top Honors at L.A. Online Film Critics Society Awards". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
  14. ↑ "LAOFCS Weekly". Popcorn Talk. December 21, 2018. Retrieved January 11, 2019.
  15. ↑ Schneider, Michael (August 17, 2021). "Hollywood Critics Association Cancels Sunday's In-Person TV Awards, Shifts to Virtual on Aug. 29 (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
  16. ↑ "Hollywood Critics Association Announces Dates for TV Awards & Film Awards – Hollywood Critics Association". Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  17. ↑ Urban, Sasha (March 1, 2022). "Hollywood Critics Association Awards 2022: 'CODA' Wins Best Picture, Jane Campion and Denis Villeneuve Tie for Director". Variety. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
  18. ↑ Tinoco, Armando (August 15, 2022). "HCA TV Awards: 'Severance' Tops Streaming Winners In Night 2, Joining 'The White Lotus', 'Abbott Elementary', 'Better Call Saul'". Deadline. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
  19. ↑ "Hollywood Critics Association Announces Inaugural Creative Arts & 6th Annual Film Awards Dates – Hollywood Critics Association". Retrieved October 13, 2022.
  20. ↑ Davis, Clayton (December 15, 2022). "A24's 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' Leads HCA Film Awards Total Nominations With 16". Variety. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  21. ↑ "The Hollywood Critics Association Announces Additional Honorees, Presenters, and Partnership with Knekt Television Network for the 2023 Awards". Awards Daily. February 16, 2023. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  22. ↑ "HCA Film Awards 2023 Winners: Everything Everywhere All at Once Wins Six Trophies, SS Rajamouli's RRR Bags Four; Brendan Fraser, Michelle Yeoh Score Best Actor Awards – See Full List". LatestLY. February 25, 2023. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  23. ↑ "Hollywood Critics Association Announces Nominees for 2023 HCA Midseason Movie Awards". June 28, 2023. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  24. ↑ "2023 HCA Midseason Awards: 'Across the Spider-Verse' wins Best Picture; 'Barbie' tops 'Oppenheimer' as most anticipated release [FULL WINNERS LIST]". June 28, 2023. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  25. ↑ Graff, Gary (May 15, 2020). "Hollywood Critics Association hosts Trviathon fund-raiser". The Morning Sun. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  26. ↑ Schneider, Michael (March 24, 2021). "Hollywood Critics Association Launches New TV Awards, First to Separate Streaming From Broadcast/Cable". Variety.
  27. ↑ Pedersen, Erik (July 8, 2021). "HCA TV Awards Nominations: 'Ted Lasso' Leads Programs For Inaugural Honors; NBC, HBO & Netflix Lead Nets". Deadline Hollywood.
  28. ↑ "2023 TV Award Submissions". Hollywood Critics Association. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  29. ↑ "2022/2023 Film Awards Calendar". AwardsWatch. May 13, 2022. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
  30. ↑ "Hollywood Critics Association's Creative Arts Category Nominations for the 2023 HCA TV Awards". Hollywood Critics Association. July 11, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
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