Jonathan Bailey Honors Queer Community with Critics Choice Award Win

The Critics Choice Awards were presented on Monday night with comedian Chelsea Handler handling the hosting chores. The awards are chosen by a group a collective of broadcast, print, and digital journalists and are considered another indicator of potential winners for the Emmy Awards (that take place tonight) and the Academy Awards, which take place in March. But with Academy members can make choices for nominations through January 14, winners of these preliminary ceremonies may be reflected with wins at ceremonies such as this one.

While the usual suspects won ("Oppenheimer" and "Barbie" in film; "Succession" and "The Bear" in television), queer actor Jonathan Bailey picked up the award for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television. He won for his role in the period queer drama "Fellow Travelers" in which he played a congressional aide in McCarthy-era Washington, DC who becomes involved with a State Department official (played by Matt Bomer.) The eight-episode series aired on Showtime and is available to watch on that streaming service or on Paramount+.

Pink News reports that in his speech, Jonathan said, "For many, it's an education, but for us, it's a vital truth. This series is a much-needed reminder that LGBTQ+ people have always existed, mostly hidden.

"They have always been fighting for an easier life for the generations that followed.

"I thank those who came before me, who created a world where I can stand here today and win an award for telling their story.

"The character I play, Tim, I'll carry him forever. His love story with Hawk teaches us to tell the special people in our lives that we love them before it's too late."
He shared the award with "Fellow Traveler"s co-star Matt Bomer as well as writer Ron Nyswaner who "created the most beautiful, bruising important series".

"To my Fellow Travelers family, to all the people who lost their lives and loves in the '80s and '90s and to every LGBTQ+ person living in a bigoted community, which still surround us, this is for you."

Pink News adds that Bailey also gave a shout-out to his 93-year-old nanna "who took me to the theatre when I was five and gave me a vocation".

"She watched Fellow Travelers to the climax... I'm so proud of you and I'm bringing this trophy back to you and a cup of tea on Tuesday," he said.

Both the series and Matt Bomer were nominated, but neither won. Best Limited Series went to "Beef," while Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television went to "Beef's" Steven Yuen.

Click here for the complete list of winners.