Critics’ Choice Awards 2025: Will Jessica Gunning Win Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television for Baby Reindeer?

Jessica Gunning’s portrayal of Martha Scott in the Netflix miniseries Baby Reindeer has already garnered significant recognition, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. As awards season continues, the question remains: will she add a Critics’ Choice Award to her collection? Nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television, Gunning faces stiff competition in a category packed with talent.

The Gripping Performance in Baby Reindeer

Baby Reindeer, a darkly comedic thriller based on Richard Gadd’s autobiographical one-man show, follows aspiring comedian Donny Dunn as he navigates the complexities of life, love, and trauma. Gunning’s performance as Martha Scott, a former lawyer who becomes fixated on Donny, is both chilling and captivating. She embodies the unsettling nature of obsession, portraying a character whose attachment morphs into stalking and harassment. Gunning masterfully balances the disturbing aspects of Martha’s behavior with moments of vulnerability, creating a multi-dimensional character that resonates with audiences. The series itself received widespread critical acclaim and dominated the Emmy Awards, winning six, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. This success further underscores the strength of Gunning’s performance and its contribution to the overall impact of the show.

A Crowded Field of Contenders

Gunning’s nomination places her alongside a formidable group of actresses, each delivering powerful performances in their respective limited series. Dakota Fanning, known for her diverse roles, is nominated for her work in Ripley. Leila George earned recognition for her role in Disclaimer, while Betty Gilpin garnered a nomination for Three Women. Deirdre O’Connell, a Tony Award winner, is nominated for The Penguin, and Kali Reis rounds out the category with her performance in True Detective: Night Country. This diverse group of nominees represents the high caliber of talent in the limited series format and makes predicting a winner a challenging task.

Can Gunning beat the competition and take home the Critics’ Choice Award? Betting site 22bet21.com thinks so, offering odds of 1.062/1 or 94.20%.

Gunning’s Awards Momentum

Gunning’s prior wins at the Emmys and Golden Globes undoubtedly give her an edge in the Critics’ Choice race. These prestigious awards often serve as indicators of critical acclaim and industry recognition, suggesting that Gunning’s performance has resonated with voters across different award bodies. The fact that Baby Reindeer itself swept the Emmys, including wins for writing and lead actor Richard Gadd, further strengthens Gunning’s position. This widespread recognition of the series suggests a strong likelihood of continued support for its cast, particularly for a standout performance like Gunning’s.

The Critics’ Choice Factor

While the Emmys and Golden Globes provide momentum, the Critics’ Choice Awards have their own distinct voting body and criteria. The Critics Choice Association, comprised of television and film critics, brings a unique perspective to the awards. Their focus often leans towards recognizing nuanced performances and innovative storytelling. Gunning’s portrayal of Martha Scott, a complex and unsettling character, aligns well with the Critics’ Choice Association’s tendency to reward performances that push boundaries and explore challenging themes.

Predicting award winners is always a difficult task, but Jessica Gunning’s performance in Baby Reindeer has all the hallmarks of an award-worthy portrayal. Her prior wins at the Emmys and Golden Globes demonstrate the industry’s recognition of her talent, and the critical acclaim surrounding Baby Reindeer further solidifies her position as a frontrunner. While the competition is fierce, Gunning’s captivating performance and the overall success of the series make her a strong contender for the Critics’ Choice Award.