Harrison Ford Expresses Gratitude to Calista Flockhart at Critics Choice Awards: ‘I Depend on a Great Deal of Support’

Harrison Ford took a moment to reflect on his illustrious career as he accepted the Critics Choice Career Achievement Award during the 29th annual Critics Choice Awards. The 81-year-old actor expressed his happiness at witnessing the evolution of the entertainment industry, acknowledging the opportunities now available to a diverse array of talented individuals that might not have existed earlier in his career. Grateful for the combination of luck and the contributions of directors, writers, and filmmakers, Ford humbly attributed his success to a collaborative effort.

In a heartwarming gesture, Ford gave a sweet shout-out to his wife, Calista Flockhart, describing her as “lovely” and emphasizing the significant role she plays in providing the support he needs. In a playful manner, he added, “And I need a lot of support,” eliciting laughter from the audience.

The Critics Choice Awards also celebrated outstanding performances in various categories. Emma Stone, who won the Best Actress award for “Poor Things,” used the platform to reflect on her character, Bella Baxter, and the lessons she learned about self-acceptance. Stone acknowledged the joy of unlearning societal pressures and shame through her character, although she humorously pointed out the irony of discussing inner validation at an awards show where critics are the voters. Playfully, she expressed her gratitude to critics while asserting her newfound ability not to be overly concerned about others’ opinions.

America Ferrera, known for her emotional portrayal of Gloria in Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” received the SeeHer Award for her significant contribution to female representation in entertainment. Ferrera shared her personal journey as a first-generation Honduran American girl who yearned to see characters that reflected her own identity onscreen. She emphasized the progress in portraying the Latinx experience, crediting writers, directors, producers, and executives for challenging biases and rewriting outdated stories. Ferrera highlighted the importance of storytelling in affirming everyone’s full humanity, irrespective of race, gender, or body type.

Jonathan Bailey, awarded Best Supporting Actor in a limited series for his role in “Fellow Travelers,” acknowledged the educational value of the show, portraying a closeted gay relationship during the 1950s “Lavender Scare.” Bailey emphasized the show’s vital truth, reminding viewers of the struggles and resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history. He expressed gratitude to those who paved the way for LGBTQ+ representation in media.

Robert Downey Jr., recognized as Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Oppenheimer,” delivered a tongue-in-cheek acceptance speech, reading out some of the most critical reviews of his performances from the Critics Choice Association. With a blend of humor and self-awareness, Downey highlighted the poetic and amusing feedback he had received over the years. He concluded by playfully acknowledging his “Oppenhomies” and expressing appreciation for the transformative experience of filming.

In summary, the 2024 Critics Choice Awards showcased a blend of heartfelt gratitude, self-reflection, and playful humor. From Harrison Ford’s acknowledgment of his supportive wife to Emma Stone’s lighthearted approach to critics, each acceptance speech offered a glimpse into the personalities behind the performances, making the evening a celebration of talent, diversity, and the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.