The 13th Annual Critics' Choice Awards Review

The 13th Annual Critics' Choice Awards kicks off the awards show season when the ceremony airs LIVE on VH1, Monday. Actor and comedian D.L. Hughley will host the ceremony held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.The Broadcast Film Critics' Association (BFCA) created the Critics' Choice Awards to recognize excellence in cinematic achievement. Historically, the Critics' Choice Awards are the most accurate predictor of the Academy Award nominations.

The winners are not the only ones that will win big at this year's show. Attending talent will receive gift bags including 24 items worth more than $8500. Many of this year's gift bag items support the nationwide green initiative ranging from environmentally friendly cosmetics, to children's furniture and bedding, to an eco-friendly resort stay.The cast of "Hairspray" and the breakout star, Nikki Blonsky, were among the early winners at the Critics' Choice Awards on Monday night.

The cast was named best acting ensemble, and Blonsky won best young actress for her work as Tracy Turnblad, a teen with big hair and big ideas.The 19-year-old thanked "my mommy who's sitting here crying and my other mommy who's at home, John Travolta." Travolta famously cross-dressed to play Edna Turnblad, on-screen mom to Blonsky's character.The teen-pregnancy film "Juno" was also a double winner, collecting trophies for best comedy and for screenwriter Diablo Cody.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" was named best foreign film. Director Julian Schnabel was humbled by his win. Schnabel said backstage that he felt "a little drunk and pleasantly surprised."George Clooney, a nominee for his starring turn in "Michael Clayton," presented the inaugural Joel Siegel Award to Don Cheadle for his humanitarian work.Hollywood royalty Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were among the guests as was George Clooney, who took to the red carpet acknowledging he would have stayed home had there been pickets outside.