The same day that the Academy announced the list of nominees for the 2013 Oscars, leaving Ben Affleck out of the running for best director, the Cambridge native won the Critics’ Choice Award in the same category for his film “Argo.” The historical drama also won for best picture.

Jennifer Lawrence walked onstage to accept an award. She won several, including best actress in a comedy (“Silver Linings Playbook”) and best actress in an action movie (“The Hunger Games”).

Director Rian Johnson, and actors Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Emily Blunt accepted the best sci-fi/horror movie award for "Looper."

From left: Choice Awards host Sam Rubin, best actress winner Jessica Chastain (”Zero Dark Thiry”), and “Looper” actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt paused for a photo.

Host Sam Rubin, right, presented writer Tony Kushner with the best adapted screenplay award for "Lincoln."

Actors Rob Riggle and Famke Janssen presented co-CEO of MGM Gary Barber with the best action movie award for "Skyfall."

Bradley Cooper spoke on behalf of the cast of “Silver Linings Playbook.” The film won for best acting ensemble, best comedy, best actress in a comedy (Jennifer Lawrence), and best actor in a comedy (Cooper).

Eva Longoria presented Bradley Cooper with tha ward for best actor in a comedy for his role in “Silver Linings Playbook.”

“This is 40” actress Leslie Mann joked with her husband Judd Apatow, center, who is also the film’s director, at the awards show.

Actress Emily Blunt cozied up to her husband, “The Office” actor John Krasinski, during the the Critics’ Choice Awards in Santa Monica, Calif.

“The Help” actress Octavia Spencer presented an award.

“The Dark Knight Rises” actor Christian Bale and “Magic Mike” actor Matthew McConaughey talked during the show.

“Les Misérables” actress blew kisses to audience members at the awards show. Hathaway won the award for best supporting actress for her role in the musical adaptation.

From left: Actresses Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain held hands for a photo. Spencer and Chastain, who won the award for best actress for her role in “Zero Dark Thirty,” costarred in the 2011 film, “The Help.”

Best director winner Ben Affleck (“Argo”) and best actor in a comedy winner Bradley Cooper (“Silver Linings Playbook”) laughed during the show.

From left: Actors Tom Holland, Robert De Niro, and Hugh Jackman.

Joaquin Phoenix and Amy Adams posed for a photo.

From left: Sibi Blazic and her husband, actor Christian Bale, looked on during the awards show.

Boston boy Ben Affleck waved to the cameras on the red carpet before the show.

Jennifer Lawrence posed for the cameras on the red carpet. The best actress in a comedy winner wore a Prabal Gurung gown.

Best director nominee Steven Spielberg (“Lincoln”) stood with best young actress winner Quvenzhané Wallis (“Beasts of the Southern Wild”) on the red carpet.

Matthew McConaughey stopped for a photo on the red carpet before the show. The actor who dropped down to 135 pounds for his upcoming role in the film “The Dallas Buyers Club” told People that he was “on his way back” to his normal weight.

Jessica Chastain, who won the award for best actress in “Zero Dark Thirty” showed off the back of her Prada gown.

Actress Marion Cotillard posed on the red carpet.

Emily Blunt and husband, John Krasinski, stopped for photographers.

“Killing Them Softly” actor Ray Liotta walked the red carpet.

Best director nominees Tom Hooper, left, and David O. Russell on the red carpet.

Liev Scheiber and Naomi Watts stopped for a photo on the red carpet.

Actress Emmy Rossum dazzled in a sparkling gown.

Eva Longoria arrived at the 18th annual Critics’ Choice Awards.

“Rush Hour” actor Chris Tucker smiled for the cameras.

Amy Adams revealed some leg on the red carpet.

“Les Miserables” actress Amanda Seyfreid posed for a photo.

“Argo” actress Kerry Bishé wore a Pamela Rolland gown at the 18th annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards.

Glee actor Cory Monteith arrived at the awards show.