In a way, the Critics' Choice Awards 2015 that was aired on A&E on Thursday night was a prelude of what is to come with the Oscars this year. The Critics' Choice Awards, which was followed up by Oscar Nominations, has virtually heated up the race for the Best Picture between 'Boyhood' and 'Birdman'.

According to IBTimes, Michael Keaton won it big on Thursday night bagging three major awards for 'Birdman'.

In fact, the maiden award of Thursday night was for Best Ensemble, and 'Birdman' overwhelmed 'Boyhood' to win the trophy. Michael Keaton accepted the award for the cast. This was not the last time that Keaton went up to the podium, as he returned afterward to accept the award for Best Actor in a comedy and once again for receiving the prize for the Best Actor overall.

In his third acceptance speech on Thursday, Keaton admitted that he was very to be able to act for a living.

"[Acting is] not hard work like being a single mom or even a married mom," Keaton said, adding, "Its not hard work like my employment is determined by my economic status or the color of my skin."

All said and done, the last award of the night for the Best Movie went to 'Boyhood'. Although Michael Keaton himself scored for "Birdman" winning three prizes, 'Boyhood' triumphed in the end. Nevertheless, Keaton has, in a way, set himself up in a nice way for a run at Best Actor at the Oscars.

With Richard Linklater winning Best Director for 'Boyhood' and Patricia Arquette winning Best Supporting Actress for 'Boyhood' again, it appears that the stage is already set for a Best Picture showdown at the Academy Awards, which will be aired on ABC on Feb. 22.