Hollywood Creative Alliance

The Hollywood Creative Alliance (HCA) is a 501 c6 membership-based non-profit organization of critics, entertainment journalists, content creators, industry influencers, and creatives. The vision and mission of the HCA is to amplify diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and culture within the world of entertainment. It was founded in 2016 as the Los Angeles Online Film Critics Society and renamed in 2019 to Hollywood Critics Association. In 2023, Hollywood Critics Association ceased operations and a new organization called Hollywood Creative Alliance took its place, with its awards called the Astra Awards.

History
Los Angeles Online Film Critics Society

In 2016, Scott Menzel, Scott Mantz, and Ashley Menzel noted that Los Angeles only had one film critic organization. They founded the Los Angeles Online Film Critics Society to be a critics group that is diverse and supports underrepresented voices. The group originally separated directing honors by gender. "There has been so much conversation about the power of female filmmakers and we wanted to embrace it," said Scott Mantz.

In early 2019, the organization had a film discussion podcast called "Film Critics Weekly" on the defunct online broadcasting network "Popcorn Talk".

Hollywood Critics Association

In 2019, the organization rebranded as Hollywood Critics Association.

On January 30, 2020, the Critics Choice Association reached out to its membership “on advice of legal counsel” after deeming it unacceptable for CCA members to also retain membership in another critics group, known as the Hollywood Critics Association. The letter continued by stating "The CCA will be protecting its rights in this matter. At this time you have the opportunity to choose to remain in the CCA. Simply confirm that you choose to do so and that you have resigned from HCA. And when it changes the offending name to something that reflects its laudable mission you can freely rejoin at that time, while remaining a CCA member in good standing."

On May 15, 2020, the organization organized a Film & Television Triviathon to collect funds for COVID-19 recovery. On August 9, 2022, The Hollywood Critics Association partnered with Petco Love and Big Love Animal Rescue to turn their television awards ceremonies into a two-night rescue animal adoption event. “We hope to shine a spotlight on shelter dogs and help a few of them find their forever homes,” adds HCA Co-Founder, Ashley Menzel. “When you rescue a dog, they are forever grateful. Dogs know you saved them and they share their love unconditionally every single day. We are so glad to be hosting this adoption event as it is a cause that is very near and dear to our hearts.”

On August 30, 2022, The Hollywood Reporter reported that nine of the group's members had recently resigned, "roughly 7 percent of its membership tally just two weeks ago" amid questions about the organization's finances and allegations of voting irregularities. 

On June 2, 2023, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that HCA President Nikki Fowler had resigned from the organization citing a "hostile, biased" work environment. On June 14, 2023, The Wrap announced that the Hollywood Critics Association is restructuring and bringing in a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion advisor.

Hollywood Creative Alliance

On August 28, 2023, the organization changed its name to Hollywood Creative Alliance with the guidance of corporate operation strategist Leslie Short of the Cavu Group. Under Short's instruction, the HCA was reformed as a 501 c6 membership-based non-profit organization.

On January 16, 2024, The Hollywood Reporter reported that the board of the Critics Choice Association (CCA) enacted a new policy that prohibited members of the HCA from maintaining their membership in the CCA. The CCA board explained in a message, “the reason CCA has taken this action is that we have evidence that a representative of the HCA has improperly suggested to at least one studio (and we suspect more) that it could influence Critics Choice Awards voting in a way that led that studio to reach out to CCA and request that action be taken to protect the integrity of our awards,” the message reads. “Of course, that HCA threat was empty, but CCA cannot ignore this.” As a result, if members wish to remain a part of the CCA, they had to inform them that they have "successfully resigned" from the HCA.

On January 18, 2024, the HCA issued a statement responding to Critics Choice Association's new policy: “The recent statement made by the Critics Choice Association (CCA) regarding the Hollywood Creative Alliance (HCA) is factually inaccurate. At no time have we tried to influence the awards votes of our members or make any suggestion to talent or studios that we would or could exercise such influence. During our awards outreach to studios, networks, and personal representatives, we presented an opportunity to have their talent attend and/or present at our ceremonies. During these conversations, we acknowledged that our awards ceremonies took place during a key voting period for various organizations and noted that several of our members belonged to several guilds and organizations; ones that we champion and support.”

On January 19, 2024, The Hollywood Reporter reported that on January 3, 2024, HCA founder, Scott Menzel, sent an email declaring: "It's important to note to ALL TALENT that the Critics Choice voting opens this weekend, and there are about 50 members who are part of both groups ... I really would hammer that point home... because it could be a make or break for a lot of people." He also highlighted other organizations saying "there are several other members who are in BAFTA, SAG and the Academy…"

On January 30, 2024, Variety revealed that the HCA is suing the Critics Choice Association for defamation in response to the org’s recent call for members to resign from the HCA in order to stay members of the CCA. On the same day, The Wrap noted that "the lawsuit accuses CCA of trade libel and defamation, violation of the Cartwright Act (California’s antitrust law), intentional interference with prospective economic advantage and violation of California’s unfair competition law."

Awards History
On January 10, 2018, the group held its first annual Film Awards at the Taglyan Complex in Los Angeles. On August 29, 2021, the HCA held its inaugural Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards. The event was originally to take place in-person but was shifted to virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ashley Menzel said, "Over these past 14 months, many of us have been watching more television than ever before. This is why we are absolutely delighted that our first in-person event for 2021 will begin with a brand-new event paying tribute to the best of television".

On February 28, 2022, the HCA held its 5th Annual Film Awards at the Avalon Hollywood. Apple TV+'s CODA took home Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Troy Kotsur. Kristen Stewart won Best Actress for her role in Spencer and Andrew Garfield won Best Actor for his performance in Tick, Tick... BOOM!. On August 13 and 14, 2022, the HCA hosted their 2nd Annual HCA TV Awards at the Beverly Hilton. The two-night event dedicated one night to broadcast and cable networks and the other to streaming platforms. Dulcé Sloan hosted night one while Cameron Esposito hosted night two.

On October 13, 2022, HCA President Nikki Fowler announced the Inaugural Creative Arts Awards, "dedicated to celebrating those behind the scenes who don't often get the level of recognition they deserve." On December 15, 2022, Variety shared the list of nominations for the 6th Annual HCA Film Awards and the Inaugural HCA Creative Arts Awards noting that A24's Everything Everywhere All at Once leads the HCA Film Awards total nominations with 16. On February 16, 2023, The Hollywood Critics Association announced a new partnership with KNEKT Television Network where the Film Awards would be live-streamed on their network in addition to the official HCA App and YouTube channel.

On February 24, 2023, The 6th Annual HCA Film Awards took place at the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel. A24's Everything Everywhere All At Once took home a total of six awards. On June 27, 2023, Awards Daily revealed the 2023 HCA Midseason Movie Awards nominees. Amazon Studios' Air and A24's Past Lives tied for the most nominations with seven each. On June 30, 2023, Gold Derby revealed the 2023 HCA Midseason Movie Awards winners. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was awarded Best Picture and Best Director. Past Lives won the most awards with three wins, including Best Actress for Greta Lee, Best Screenplay for Celine Song, and Best Indie Film.

In December 2023, HCA renamed its awards to the Astra Awards. The nominations for the 2024 Astra Film & Creative Arts Awards were announced on December 7, 2023 by Yong Chavez, Jeandra LeBeauf, Morgan Rojas, Ms. Marvel star Anjali Bhimani and Melora Hardin from Golden Vanity.

Film Award categories
Each December, the association releases the nominations for the HCA Film Awards, which are held in January of the following year.

Current categories
• Best Picture (since 2017)

• Best Actor (since 2017)

• Best Actress (since 2017)

• Best Supporting Actor (since 2017)

• Best Supporting Actress (since 2017)

• Best Animated or VFX Performance (since 2017)

• Best Original Screenplay (since 2017)

• Best Adapted Screenplay (since 2017)

• Best Action Film (since 2017)

• Best Animated Film (since 2017)

• Best Documentary (since 2017)

• Best Indie Film (since 2017)

• Best Foreign Film (since 2017)

• Best First Feature (since 2017)

• Best Stunts (since 2017)

• Best Ensemble Cast (since 2018)

• Best Original Song (since 2018)

• Best Horror (since 2019)

• Best Short Film (since 2020)

• Best Director (since 2021)

• Best Comedy (since 2022)

Honorary Awards
• Trailblazer Award (since 2017)

• Newcomer Award (since 2018)

• Acting Achievement Award (since 2018)

• Filmmaking Achievement Award (since 2019)

• Artisans Achievement Award (since 2019)

• Game Changer Award (since 2019)

• Star on the Rise (since 2019)

• Filmmaker on the Rise (since 2019)

• Inspire Award (since 2019)

• Spotlight Award (since 2019)

• Timeless Award (since 2020)

End of a Decade Awards

 * Filmmaker of the Decade Award (2019 only)
 * Actress of the Decade Award (2019 only)
 * Actor of the Decade Award (2019 only)
 * Producer of the Decade Award (2019 only)
 * Next Generation Award

Midseason Award categories
Halfway through the year, the association releases the nominations for the HCA Midseason Film Awards, which honor films that come out in the first half of the respected year. The nominations are announced the last week of June, and winners are announced the first week of July.

Current Categories
• Best Picture (since 2018)

• Best Actor (since 2018)

• Best Actress (since 2018)

• Best Supporting Actor (since 2018)

• Best Supporting Actress (since 2018)

• Most Anticipated Film (since 2018)

• Best Indie Film (since 2019)

• Best Director (since 2021)

• Best Screenplay (since 2021)

• Best Horror (since 2022)

• Best Stunts (since 2023)

TV Award categories
The Hollywood Critics Association announced that they were launching the HCA TV Awards on March 24, 2021. The inaugural TV awards ceremony took place on August 22, 2021. The following is a list of the current and discontinued categories of the television awards as of 2023.

Current categories
• Best Actor in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy (since 2021)

• Best Actor in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Drama (since 2021)

• Best Actor in a Streaming Series, Comedy (since 2021)

• Best Actor in a Streaming Series, Drama (since 2021)

• Best Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy (since 2021)

• Best Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Drama (since 2021)

• Best Actress in a Streaming Series, Comedy (since 2021)

• Best Actress in a Streaming Series, Drama (since 2021)

• Best Broadcast Network Series, Comedy (since 2021)

• Best Broadcast Network Series, Drama (since 2021)

• Best Cable Series, Comedy (since 2021)

• Best Cable Series, Drama (since 2021)

• Best Streaming Series, Comedy (since 2021)

• Best Streaming Series, Drama (since 2021)

• Best Supporting Actor in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy (since 2021)

• Best Supporting Actor in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Drama (since 2021)

• Best Supporting Actor in a Streaming Series, Comedy (since 2021)

• Best Supporting Actor in a Streaming Series, Drama (since 2021)

• Best Supporting Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy (since 2021)

• Best Supporting Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Drama (since 2021)

• Best Supporting Actress in a Streaming Series, Comedy (since 2021)

• Best Supporting Actress in a Streaming Series, Drama (since 2021)

• Best Actor in a Broadcast Network or Cable Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)

• Best Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)

• Best Actor in a Streaming Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)

• Best Actress in a Streaming Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)

• Best Broadcast Network or Cable Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)

• Best Broadcast Network or Cable Live-Action Television Movie (since 2022)

• Best Directing in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy (since 2022)

• Best Directing in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Drama (since 2022)

• Best Directing in a Broadcast Network or Cable Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)

• Best Directing in a Streaming Series, Comedy (since 2022)

• Best Directing in a Streaming Series, Drama (since 2022)

• Best Directing in a Streaming Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)

• Best Streaming Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)

• Best Streaming Movie (since 2022)

• Best Supporting Actor in a Broadcast Network or Cable Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)

• Best Supporting Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)

• Best Supporting Actor in a Streaming Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)

• Best Supporting Actress in a Streaming Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)

• Best Writing in a Broadcast Network or Cables Series, Comedy (since 2022)

• Best Writing in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Drama (since 2022)

• Best Writing in a Broadcast Network or Cable Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)

• Best Writing in a Streaming Series, Comedy (since 2022)

• Best Writing in a Streaming Series, Drama (since 2022)

• Best Writing in a Streaming Limited or Anthology Series (since 2022)

Honorary Awards
• Legacy Award (since 2021)

• Virtuoso Award (since 2021)

• Impact Award (since 2021)

• TV Icon Award (since 2021)

• Pop Culture Icon Award (since 2021)

• TV Breakout Star Award (since 2021)

• Spotlight Award (since 2021)

Creative Arts Film categories
The Hollywood Critics Association announced the launch of the HCA Creative Arts Film Awards on October 13, 2022. The inaugural Creative Awards Awards ceremony took place on February 24, 2023. The following is a list of the current categories of the Creative Arts Film awards as of 2022.

Current categories
• Best Casting Director (since 2022)

• Best Cinematography (since 2022)

• Best Costume Design (since 2022)

• Best Editing (since 2022)

• Best Hair & Make-Up (since 2022)

• Best Marketing Campaign (since 2022)

• Best Production Design (since 2022)

• Best Score (since 2022)

• Best Sound (since 2022)

• Best Visual Effects (since 2022)

Creative Arts TV categories
Along with announcement of the 3rd HCA TV Awards, the Hollywood Critics Association announced the launch of the HCA Creative Arts TV Awards along with the TV awards, the inaugural Creative Awards TV Awards ceremony date has yet to be announced due to the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes. The following is a list of the current categories of the Creative Arts awards as of 2023.

Current categories
• Best Broadcast Network or Cable Animated Series or Television Movie (since 2023)

• Best Broadcast Network or Cable Comedy Special (since 2023)

• Best Broadcast Network or Cable Documentary TV Movie (since 2023)

• Best Broadcast Network or Cable Docuseries or Non-Fiction Series (since 2023)

• Best Broadcast Network Reality Show or Competition Series (since 2023)

• Best Cable Reality Show or Competition Series (since 2023)

• Best Casting in a Limited Series or TV Movie (since 2023)

• Best Casting in a Series, Comedy (since 2023)

• Best Casting in a Series, Drama (since 2023)

• Best Contemporary Costumes (since 2023)

• Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Costumes (since 2023)

• Best Game Show (since 2023)

• Best Guest Actor in a Series, Comedy (since 2023)

• Best Guest Actor in a Series, Drama (since 2023)

• Best Guest Actress in a Series, Comedy (since 2023)

• Best Guest Actress in a Series, Drama (since 2023)

• Best International Series (since 2023)

• Best Main Title Design (since 2023)

• Best Original Song (since 2023)

• Best Period Costumes (since 2023)

• Best Score in a Comedy Series (since 2023)

• Best Score in a Drama Series (since 2023)

• Best Score in a Limited Series or TV Movie (since 2023)

• Best Short Form Series (since 2023)

• Best Streaming Animated Series or Television Movie (since 2023)

• Best Streaming Comedy Special (since 2023)

• Best Streaming Documentary Movie (since 2023)

• Best Streaming Docuseries or Non-Fiction Series (since 2023)

• Best Streaming Reality Show or Competition Series (since 2023)

• Best Stunts (since 2023)

• Best Talk Show (since 2023)

• Best Variety Series or Variety Special (since 2023)

• Best Voice-Over Performance (since 2023)

Film
• 2017

• 2018

• 2019

• 2020

• 2021

• 2022

• 2023

Midseason
• 2018

• 2019

• 2020

• 2021

• 2022

• 2023

• 2024

TV

 * 2021
 * 2022
 * 2023
 * 2024

Creative Arts Film

 * 2022
 * 2023

Creative Arts TV

 * 2023