Oppenheimer and Barbie dominate Critics Choice awards to gain Oscar momentum

Christopher Nolan's drama continues its awards ascent with eight honours and Greta Gerwig's pink fantasia is back in contention on six

The eternally yoked-together blockbusters Barbie and Oppenheimer have cleaned up at the Critics Choice awards, suggesting the momentum is with both films as the Academy awards loom. Together the films won a total of 14 awards - with Oppenheimer edging their personal competition by 8 to 6.

Oppenheimer dominated the headline awards, winning best picture, best director for Christopher Nolan and best acting ensemble, with Robert Downey Jr also picking up best supporting actor for his role as Atomic Energy Commission member Lewis Strauss. The film also won a number of craft awards, including best cinematography, editing and visual effects.