The glitz and glamour of the 31st Critics’ Choice Awards this Sunday was unexpectedly upstaged by a topic far removed from cinematic excellence: the dinner. While Timothée Chalamet's sweet acknowledgment of Kylie Jenner and other red-carpet moments generated buzz, it was the stark simplicity of the food served to guests that dominated online conversations, leaving the internet in a state of collective disbelief.
The Viral 'Grazing Plate' That Left Everyone Hungry
Instead of the opulent feast typically associated with major Hollywood celebrations, attendees were presented with what many described as a minimalist 'grazing plate.' American journalist Kyle Buchanan shared a photo of this offering on X (formerly Twitter), and his post rapidly captured public attention, amassing a staggering over 3.6 million views. The image revealed a spread that resembled a light snack more than a celebratory meal.
The plate's contents were modest, to say the least. It featured a handful of grapes, some crackers, two small cheese portions, a dollop of hummus, a bit of bruschetta, caprese skewers, a single spanakopita, and a few dried apricots. The presentation immediately sparked a wave of reactions, with numerous users drawing unflattering parallels to standard airline economy class meals.
From the Room to Twitter: A Feast of Reactions
The meagre menu even became fodder for comedy inside the venue itself. While accepting her award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, actor Janelle James humorously addressed the situation. "The best thing about being nominated four times," she joked from the stage, "is finally realising they’re never going to feed us. It’s grapes and ice cream every year - but hey, this makes up for it!"
Online, however, the tone was far less forgiving and significantly more critical. One user declared the spread "embarrassing for everyone involved," while another quipped, "Looks like a United Airlines meal, not an awards show dinner." The comparisons grew even harsher, with some referencing the infamous failed Fyre Festival, calling the plate's offering "very Fyre Festival energy," akin to the event's notorious cheese sandwiches.
Other comments took a broader aim at Hollywood culture. "The industry is really struggling, wow," one person wrote. Another offered a satirical take, suggesting, "Everyone’s on Ozempic. They didn’t want to waste steak or fish," poking fun at the popularity of weight-loss drugs in the entertainment world.
Not the First Bite: A History of Food Fumbles
This is notably not the first time the Critics’ Choice Awards has found itself in a food-related controversy. The ceremony made headlines last year as well when it served individually wrapped pizza slices to its esteemed guests. That moment also went viral, prompting similar questions about why one of Hollywood's prominent award nights consistently struggles with the basic hospitality of providing a proper meal.
The recurring theme has cemented a perception that the event prioritizes everything but attendee sustenance. The viral reaction to this year's 'grazing plate' underscores a wider, often humorous, scrutiny of the disconnect between the perceived extravagance of award shows and their sometimes surprisingly frugal backstage realities.
