On February 7, the Critics Choice Awards took place in Santa Monica, California, celebrating the best in film and television from the past year. The event, hosted by Chelsea Handler for the third consecutive year, saw plenty of star power, with winners like Demi Moore, Adrien Brody, and the film "Anora" taking home top honors. One notable absence, however, was the Hollywood power couple Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. Despite Reynolds’ film "Deadpool & Wolverine" tying with "A Real Pain" for the Best Comedy award, the couple was nowhere to be seen on the red carpet or in the audience. Their decision to skip the event raised eyebrows, especially given the ongoing legal drama surrounding Lively’s accusations against her "It Ends With Us" co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. So, why did they choose to sit this one out? Let’s dive into the details.
A Big Win, But No Appearance
"Deadpool & Wolverine," the Marvel blockbuster starring Reynolds alongside Hugh Jackman, was a major success in 2024, both commercially and critically. The film’s win at the Critics Choice Awards was a testament to its popularity and comedic appeal, sharing the Best Comedy prize with Kieran Culkin’s "A Real Pain." Reynolds, who not only starred in but also wrote and produced the movie, had every reason to celebrate. Yet, he opted not to attend the ceremony. Instead, he acknowledged the win via Instagram, posting a photo of himself with Jackman and writing, "Zoing! Thanks @criticschoice, whole team @deadpoolmovie is thrilled," followed by a congratulatory nod to the "A Real Pain" team. His absence was striking, especially considering how actors often use awards season to promote their projects and bask in the glow of recognition.
Lively, meanwhile, had no direct connection to the Critics Choice Awards this year. Her film "It Ends With Us," released in August 2024, wasn’t nominated for any awards at the event. Still, as Reynolds’ wife and a frequent red carpet companion, her absence alongside him fueled speculation. The couple has a history of supporting each other at public events, often turning heads with their coordinated outfits and playful banter. Their joint no-show suggested something bigger was at play, and the spotlight quickly turned to the legal storm brewing around them.
The Legal Battle with Justin Baldoni
The primary reason many point to for their absence is the highly publicized legal feud involving Lively and Baldoni. The controversy began in late 2024, when Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in New York federal court on December 20, accusing him of sexual harassment during the filming of "It Ends With Us." She alleged that Baldoni engaged in inappropriate behavior on set, causing her severe emotional distress, and later launched a retaliatory smear campaign to damage her reputation after she spoke out. Baldoni, known for his role in "Jane the Virgin" and for directing the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, denied the claims, calling them "false" and accusing Lively of fabricating the story to salvage her own public image after a rocky press tour for the movie.
The situation escalated quickly. Baldoni countersued Lively and Reynolds, along with Lively’s publicist Leslie Sloane and Sloane’s PR firm, Vision PR Inc., in January 2025, filing a $400 million defamation lawsuit. He claimed the couple orchestrated a scheme to ruin his career, alleging they used their influence to push a narrative that painted him as the villain. Baldoni also sued The New York Times for $250 million over its reporting on Lively’s allegations, asserting that the outlet misrepresented communications and omitted crucial context. To bolster his case, he launched a website showcasing court filings, text messages, and behind-the-scenes footage, aiming to present his side of the story to the public.
This legal back-and-forth has kept Reynolds and Lively in the headlines for months, casting a shadow over their usually polished public personas. By the time the Critics Choice Awards rolled around, the couple had largely retreated from the spotlight. Their absence from the event wasn’t entirely surprising, given the intense scrutiny they were under. Attending a high-profile awards show could have invited unwanted questions from the press or awkward moments on the red carpet, especially with the trial date set for March 2026 and tensions still simmering.
A Pattern of Stepping Back
The Critics Choice Awards weren’t the only event Reynolds and Lively skipped. They also missed the Golden Globes on January 5, despite "Deadpool & Wolverine" being nominated in the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement category. Reports from outlets like Deadline indicated that Reynolds and Jackman had decided well in advance not to attend, a choice unrelated to the Baldoni drama. Lively, with no nomination of her own, had little reason to go without Reynolds. Similarly, the couple bypassed the SAG Awards in late February, even though "Deadpool & Wolverine" was up for Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture. This pattern suggests a deliberate strategy to lay low during awards season, possibly to avoid the media frenzy surrounding their legal troubles.
Their only notable public appearance in early came on February 16, when they attended the SNL50 anniversary special. Reynolds shared a selfie of the two on Instagram, set to the Rolling Stones’ "Wild Horses," hinting at a united front amid the chaos. Beyond that, they’ve kept a low profile, a stark contrast to their usual visibility at events like the Met Gala (which they last co-chaired in 2022) or past awards shows where they’ve supported each other’s projects. This retreat from public life aligns with the timing of the Baldoni lawsuits, suggesting they’re prioritizing privacy over publicity as the legal battle unfolds.
Chelsea Handler’s Monologue Adds Fuel
The Critics Choice Awards themselves didn’t shy away from the controversy. During her opening monologue, host Chelsea Handler took a jab at the situation, saying, "I want to acknowledge that we’ve been through a lot lately, not just here in Los Angeles, but our entire country, waking up every day not knowing what news we’re going to hear that will disappoint or horrify us. So it is important in times like these to have a distraction, and that’s why I want to personally extend my gratitude to Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. Thank you for providing us with that distraction. I’m grateful. I think we’re all grateful. And I think we’re good. I think everybody in this room, no matter whose side you’re on, we can all agree to accept that there’s probably not going to be a sequel." The quip drew laughs but underscored how inescapable the drama had become, even at an event meant to celebrate art, not personal disputes.
Handler’s comments likely didn’t go unnoticed by Reynolds and Lively, who were already steering clear of the spotlight. Showing up to the awards could have meant facing more such references, whether in jest or in earnest, from the stage or the press line. For a couple known for their wit and charm, being reduced to a punchline in this context might have been a risk they weren’t willing to take.
Reynolds’ attendance at the summit also highlights his busy professional life beyond acting. He’s been involved in multiple ventures, including co-owning Wrexham AFC and recently acquiring a stake in Club Deportivo Seguros La Equidad in Bogotá, Colombia, with business partner Rob McElhenney. Balancing these projects with the demands of awards season could have influenced his decision to prioritize the summit over the Critics Choice Awards, especially if he anticipated the win wouldn’t require an in-person acceptance.
Public Perception and the Baldoni Factor
The legal feud with Baldoni has split public opinion, with some siding with Lively’s claims of harassment and others backing Baldoni’s defense and counteraccusations. Commentators like Candace Owens have weighed in, suggesting Reynolds might be the mastermind behind the controversy, orchestrating a power play to control the "It Ends With Us" narrative. In a YouTube video, Owens presented a detailed analysis, citing sources from the film’s set who pointed to Reynolds as the driving force, not Lively or Baldoni. She argued that the couple underestimated Baldoni’s ability to fight back with evidence, or "receipts," as she put it, turning the tables on their alleged smear campaign.
Joe Rogan echoed a similar sentiment on his podcast in March 2025, calling Baldoni "a nice, sweet guy" and claiming Reynolds and Lively "fucked up" by assuming no one would challenge their influence. Rogan suggested they misjudged Baldoni’s resolve, believing their Hollywood clout would silence him. Posts on X have reflected this divide, with some users praising Baldoni for standing his ground and others questioning the couple’s motives. One user wrote, "Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds setting out to destroy Justin Baldoni’s image and winding up exposing the truth about themselves is a sight to see," while another noted, "I’m honestly starting to think Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively paid for bots on here to attack Justin Baldoni because ain’t no way with all this evidence are people still making her out to be a victim."
This shifting perception might have played into their decision to skip the Critics Choice Awards. Facing a room full of industry peers, some of whom might lean toward Baldoni’s version of events, could have been uncomfortable, especially with the legal proceedings still pending. Staying away allowed them to avoid direct confrontation and let their legal team handle the narrative for now.
A Strategic Move or Personal Choice?
So, was their absence a calculated move to dodge the drama, or simply a personal choice reflecting their current priorities? It’s likely a mix of both. The legal battle with Baldoni has undeniably taken a toll, thrusting them into a messy public dispute that contrasts with their carefully curated image as Hollywood’s golden couple. Sources have told outlets like PEOPLE that Reynolds is standing by Lively through the ordeal, emphasizing their teamwork in navigating challenges. "She and Ryan are in it together," one insider said. "They are always a tremendous team. They will get through this as a team too." This unity might extend to their decision to step back from events like the Critics Choice Awards, focusing instead on managing the fallout privately.
At the same time, their absence fits a broader trend of selective public appearances in 2025. They’ve skipped multiple awards shows, suggesting a deliberate break from the usual circuit. Reynolds has spoken in the past about balancing his career with personal life, telling Variety in December 2024 that "Deadpool & Wolverine" consumed him for years, and he’s cautious about letting work overshadow other responsibilities. "I have four kids, and I don’t ever want to be an absentee [dad]," he said, highlighting his focus on family. While the Baldoni drama adds urgency to their retreat, it’s possible they were already planning a quieter year, with the legal mess amplifying that choice.
What’s Next for Reynolds and Lively?
Looking ahead, the couple’s next moves remain uncertain. Lively is set to appear at SXSW in March for the premiere of "Another Simple Favor," her sequel with Anna Kendrick, marking a potential return to the public eye amid the ongoing legal saga. Reynolds, meanwhile, continues to juggle his acting career with business ventures, including his Mint Mobile commercials and soccer investments. Neither has confirmed plans to attend future events like the Oscars, where "Deadpool & Wolverine" was shut out of nominations, reducing their incentive to show up.
The legal battle with Baldoni will likely drag on, with the trial not scheduled until 2026. Until then, their public appearances may remain sporadic, guided by the need to manage their image and legal strategy. Baldoni, for his part, has kept a relatively low profile too, though his team continues to push back against Lively’s claims, promising more evidence to come. The outcome of the lawsuits could reshape how all three are perceived in Hollywood, influencing their future projects and public personas.
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s absence from the 2025 Critics Choice Awards wasn’t just a scheduling quirk—it was a reflection of a tumultuous moment in their careers. The win for "Deadpool & Wolverine" should have been a triumph, but the shadow of their legal war with Justin Baldoni loomed large, making their no-show a topic of discussion as much as the awards themselves. Whether driven by the desire to avoid scrutiny, handle other commitments, or simply take a breather, their decision underscores the challenges of maintaining a high-profile life under pressure. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: this Hollywood drama is far from over, and their next steps will be watched closely by fans and critics alike.
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