Bates used her time on stage to thank the L.A. firefighters for their bravery and dedicated her award to 'Matlock' producer Eric Christian Olsen, who lost his home in the Palisades fire

People are loving the reaction Kathy Bates had when she won a Critics Choice Award for her part in Matlock. She was up for the Best Actress in a Drama Series gong and seemed to be quite surprised when it was announced she was meant to go up on stage and collect the award.

Kathy Bates had an unbelievable night at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards—literally! The actress, 76, took home the award for best actress in a drama series for her performance in Matlock at the awards show, held Friday, Feb. 7, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. And her reaction was priceless.

Kathy Bates’ win for Best Actress in a Drama Series at Friday night’s Critics Choice Awards was also a win for broadcast TV, which is scarcely represented on the awards circuit these days, especially in drama categories.

As Kathy Bates accepted the award for Best Actress in a Drama Series at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, she revealed she would be giving her trophy to actor Eric Christian Olsen. Find out why.

"I just want to tell Eric Olsen, who hasn't quite found a home yet, this is coming to you first thing for decor," the veteran actress said.