Imagine the thrill of a cinematic showdown where underdogs rise and icons clash— that's the electrifying vibe from the 2025 New York Film Critics Circle awards, where Paul Thomas Anderson's gripping drama 'One Battle After Another' emerged victorious as Best Film, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats and sparking endless debates about this year's contenders.
Just shy of four hours into their deliberation, the prestigious New York Film Critics Circle—often simply called NYFCC, a group of over 50 seasoned film reviewers who help shape what we see on the big screen—announced their highest accolade. This win for Warner Bros' 'One Battle After Another,' starring the ever-charismatic Leonardo DiCaprio, marks the film's second major Best Film triumph in as many nights, hot on the heels of its success at the Gotham Awards last evening. For newcomers to awards season, think of the Gotham Awards as a indie darling event that spotlights innovative storytelling, much like a warm-up act for the glitzier Oscars.
Warner Bros truly dominated the proceedings, scooping up four coveted trophies in total. Beyond the Best Film nod for 'One Battle After Another,' they celebrated Benicio Del Toro's powerhouse performance in the same movie, earning him Best Supporting Actor—his second NYFCC honor overall. Then there's Amy Madigan, channeling the tough-as-nails Aunt Glady from 'Weapons,' who took home Best Supporting Actress. Rounding out the haul was a win in Cinematography for Ryan Coogler's atmospheric 'Sinners,' shot by the talented Autumn Durald Arkapaw, whose lens work brings gritty realism to life in ways that make every frame feel alive and immersive.
The voting kicked off around 9:16 AM Eastern Standard Time, turning into the kind of marathon discussion that this historic organization is famous for. As results rolled in, they shared them promptly, keeping fans hooked in real-time. Founded over a century ago, the NYFCC holds the title of America's oldest critics' group, and it's long been viewed as a reliable predictor for Oscar nominations—and occasionally, outright victories. That said, their Best Picture picks haven't aligned with the Academy since the charming black-and-white charmer 'The Artist' back in 2011. But here's where it gets intriguing... could this year's selections finally bridge that gap, or will Hollywood's tastes diverge once more?
Shifting gears to Best Director, the award went to the trailblazing Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi for his poignant Cannes Palme d'Or winner, 'It Was Just an Accident.' For those unfamiliar, the Palme d'Or is like the Super Bowl of international cinema, awarded at the Cannes Film Festival to films that push boundaries. Panahi's triumph feels especially bittersweet, though. Just days ago, while he was globetrotting to promote his work—including France's entry for the International Feature Film Oscar—he was hit with a harsh sentence from Iran's Branch 26 of the Tehran Islamic Revolutionary Court: one year behind bars, a two-year travel ban, and exclusion from political or social groups, all in absentia for so-called 'propaganda activities against the system.' This crackdown happened right in the midst of his awards buzz, and last night at the Gothams, he dedicated his Best Screenplay win to fellow filmmakers 'deprived of the right to see and be seen.' It's a stark reminder of the risks artists take in repressive regimes—and here's a controversial angle: should global awards bodies like the NYFCC or Oscars do more than just applaud from afar, perhaps by advocating louder against such injustices? What do you think—does art alone change the world, or is bolder action needed?
The very first category revealed, at 10:25 AM EST, was First Film, honoring Carson Lund's heartfelt 'Eephus.' This debut feature captures the nostalgia of a group of adult men playing a casual baseball game that unexpectedly goes into extra innings on the last day before their cherished field faces the wrecking ball. It premiered in the Directors' Fortnight section at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, a sidebar showcase for bold new voices that often signals future stars.
In the international arena, Kleber Mendonça Filho's masterful 'The Secret Agent' shone brightly, clinching Best International Film. The film had already made waves at Cannes with wins for Best Director (for Mendonça Filho), Best Actor (Wagner Moura), the FIPRESCI Prize from international critics, and the AFCAE art-house award—prizes that highlight its artistic depth and global appeal. Moura, delivering a riveting lead performance, also walked away with the NYFCC's Best Actor trophy.
Benicio Del Toro's Supporting Actor win is particularly noteworthy; it's his second from the NYFCC, following his 2000 Best Actor nod for the intense drug-war thriller 'Traffic.' This time around, it's for his nuanced role in 'One Battle After Another,' and fans will recall he parlayed that earlier acclaim into a Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 2001. Del Toro's career exemplifies how supporting roles can steal the show, often providing the emotional backbone that elevates an entire film.
Looking back, last year's NYFCC Best Picture went to Brady Corbet's epic 'The Brutalist,' which also secured Best Actor for Adrien Brody's tour-de-force portrayal. Interestingly, the Oscars agreed with several 2024 NYFCC picks, including Brody's win, Kieran Culkin's Supporting Actor for Searchlight's poignant 'Real Pain,' the screenplay for 'Anora,' the animated gem 'Flow,' and the documentary 'No Other Land.' These overlaps show how critics' tastes can sometimes mirror the Academy's, offering a sneak peek into potential frontrunners.
And this is the part most people miss: while the NYFCC's influence is strong, their choices often spotlight edgier, more artistic fare that might not always translate to mainstream Oscar gold. Now, let's dive into the full list of winners to see the breadth of talent recognized this year:
- Film: 'One Battle After Another'
- Director: Jafar Panahi, 'It Was Just an Accident'
- Actor: Wagner Moura, 'The Secret Agent'
- Actress: Rose Byrne, 'If I Had Legs I’d Kick You'—Byrne's sharp wit and vulnerability make this a standout, exploring themes of resilience in unexpected ways.
- Supporting Actor: Benicio Del Toro, 'One Battle After Another'
- Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan, 'Weapons'
- Screenplay: 'Marty Supreme' by Josh Safdie and Ronald Bronstein—a script that weaves intricate psychological layers, proving the power of words on the page.
- Animated Film: 'KPop Demon Hunters'—this vibrant blend of K-pop energy and supernatural thrills is a fresh take on animation for global audiences.
- Cinematography: Autumn Durald Arkapaw for 'Sinners'
- Non-Fiction Film: 'My Undesirable Friends: Part I – Last Air in Moscow'—a raw documentary delving into personal stories amid political turmoil, reminding us why non-fiction can hit harder than fiction.
- International Film: 'The Secret Agent'
- First Film: Carson Lund’s 'Eephus'
Don't forget the emerging talents: Student Prizes went to London Xhudo (Undergraduate from NYU) and Tan Zhiyuan (Graduate from The New School), nurturing the next generation of storytellers. Special Prizes were awarded to the Museum of Moving Image and Screen Slate, honoring institutions that preserve and promote cinematic history.
As awards season heats up, these NYFCC choices set the stage for what's to come—but will they predict Oscar glory, or highlight films that deserve more love? And circling back to Panahi, is it time for the film world to rally more visibly against censorship? Drop your thoughts in the comments: Agree with these picks, or got a dark horse you'd bet on? Let's discuss!
