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Ryan Reynolds was notably absent from the 2025 Critics Choice Awards held on February 7. Despite his no-show, Reynolds made sure to acknowledge his film Deadpool & Wolverine's joint win for Best Comedy, sharing his excitement on Instagram with fans and fellow team members. The actor expressed his appreciation for the win, saying, "Zing! Thanks @criticschoice — whole team @deadpoolmovie is thrilled," while also congratulating the other award recipient, A Real Pain. Both Reynolds and his co-star Hugh Jackman were missing from the ceremony, marking a significant moment amid the ongoing media frenzy surrounding Reynolds' personal life.
Reynolds' absence from the glamorous awards night coincides with the ongoing legal battle his wife, Blake Lively, is embroiled in with actor-director Justin Baldoni. Lively filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni during the filming of It Ends With Us, a move that has resulted in a high-profile legal dispute. Baldoni, who denies the allegations, has filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds, claiming defamation and extortion. The couple, who share four children, has understandably chosen to remain out of the spotlight amid the emotional toll of the ongoing case.
While Reynolds avoided the awards ceremony, he did attend the JP Morgan summit on the same day, signaling his continued involvement in business and other professional pursuits. Despite the public attention surrounding the legal dispute, Reynolds has shown his support for his wife, with sources close to the actor stating that the couple is in it together, always standing by one another. A close insider revealed that the pair, while dealing with immense emotional strain, is navigating the situation as a united front.
The legal saga surrounding Lively and Baldoni has attracted widespread attention, with public figures, including comedian Chelsea Handler, referencing the tension during the Critics Choice Awards. Handler joked about the distraction caused by the dispute, bringing humor to a difficult topic. The drama, however, continues to unfold, with both sides preparing for the impending trial.
