'Argo' wins at Critics' Choice Awards but 'Playbook' wins night

Even though "Argo" won the big prize from the Broadcast Critics Association, that doesn't mean it has achieved front-runner status going forward.

Last night (Jan. 10), as the 18th Annual Critics' Choice Awards were handed out, the success of "Silver Linings Playbook" may be a greater indication. The awards were presented in a fast-paced, two-hour affair, and they really have a few best picture categories. The show aired live on The CW.

So, with its comedy wins (the film is really a drama laced with comedy), "Playbook" could be poised to make trouble for films like "Les Miserables" and "Lincoln."But, it was indeed a surprise when Ben Affleck's name was read as best director, and judging by the look on his face, he too was baffled. Even in his acceptance speech he said, "I want to thank the Academy," an obvious dig on his nomination snub earlier that day.

"Argo" won the top prize, but was that really a shocker? Not if one approaches this like "The Golden Globes." They have two best picture categories - drama and comedy/musicals. After Sunday night, the talk will be of two winners go forward as favorites.

With these awards, the same is true. "Silver Linings Playbook" cleaned up and "Argo" won the big prize. "Playbook" swept the comedy categories but also nabbed the ensemble award. The ensemble is so highly-regarded that the Screen Actors Guild uses it as the barometer for best picture. Jennifer Lawrence had a big night as well. Not only winning for "Playbook," but also for action star.

The winners

BEST PICTURE

"Argo"

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE

"Silver Linings Playbook"

BEST DIRECTOR

Ben Affleck – “Argo” BEST ACTOR

Daniel Day-Lewis – “Lincoln”

BEST ACTRESS

Jessica Chastain – “Zero Dark Thirty”

BEST COMEDY

"Silver Linings Playbook"

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY

Bradley Cooper – “Silver Linings Playbook”

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY

Jennifer Lawrence – “Silver Linings Playbook”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Philip Seymour Hoffman – “The Master”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Anne Hathaway – “Les Misérables”

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Quentin Tarantino – “Django Unchained”

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Tony Kushner – “Lincoln”

BEST SCORE

“Lincoln” – John Williams

BEST SONG

“Skyfall” – performed by Adele/written by Adele Adkins & Paul Epworth – Skyfall

BEST EDITING

“Zero Dark Thirty” – William Goldenberg and Dylan Tichenor

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

“Life of Pi” – Claudio Miranda

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

“Anna Karenina” – Sarah Greenwood/Production Designer; Katie Spencer/Set Decorator

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

“Anna Karenina” – Jacqueline Durran

BEST MAKEUP

"Cloud Atlas"

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

"Life of Pi"

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

"Wreck-It Ralph"

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

"Amour"

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

"Searching for Sugar Man"

BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS

Quvenzhané Wallis – “Beasts of the Southern Wild”

BEST ACTION MOVIE

"Skyfall"

BEST ACTOR IN AN ACTION MOVIE

Daniel Craig – “Skyfall”

BEST ACTRESS IN AN ACTION MOVIE

Jennifer Lawrence – “The Hunger Games”

BEST SCI-FI/HORROR MOVIE

"Looper"