Lights, cameras, and critical acclaim — the New York Film Critics Circle is back in the spotlight, naming the most outstanding achievements in cinema for 2025! But here's where it gets exciting: the results are being unveiled live, and every update is sparking fresh conversations among film lovers and industry insiders alike.
Voting has officially begun for the New York Film Critics Circle’s (NYFCC) prestigious annual awards — a tradition that has shaped film discussion and critical taste for nearly a century. Last year, the critics crowned The Brutalist as the best film of 2024, setting a high bar for cinematic brilliance and artistry.
The first big reveal from this year's lineup: Best First Film went to Eephus, a breakout debut that made waves with its originality. Not long after, The Secret Agent took home the award for Best International Film, further establishing itself as a powerhouse in global storytelling.
Other notable early winners already making headlines include Benicio del Toro, who earned Best Supporting Actor for his gripping performance in One Battle After Another, and Amy Madigan, taking home Best Supporting Actress for Weapons. The dynamic animated feature KPop Demon Hunters danced its way to victory as Best Animated Film, while the haunting My Undesirable Friends: Part I – Last Air in Moscow secured the title of Best Nonfiction Film.
For those following the action in real time, The Hollywood Reporter is keeping a running live tally of winners as they’re announced — so film fans won’t miss a single moment. It’s one of the few days each year when critics, creators, and audiences collectively hold their breath, waiting to see which artists are about to become part of film history.
Here’s the updated list of 2025 NYFCC winners — refreshed live:
- Best Film: (To be announced)
- Best Director: (To be announced)
- Best Actor: Wagner Moura, The Secret Agent
- Best Actress: (To be announced)
- Best Screenplay: (To be announced)
- Best Supporting Actor: Benicio del Toro, One Battle After Another
- Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan, Weapons
- Best Animated Film: KPop Demon Hunters
- Best Cinematography: Sinners
- Best First Film: Eephus
- Best International Film: The Secret Agent
- Best Nonfiction Film: My Undesirable Friends: Part I – Last Air in Moscow
Founded way back in 1935, the NYFCC has long been a cornerstone of film criticism, boasting members from top newspapers, magazines, and major online publications. Each December, these critics gather in New York City to debate and vote on the most remarkable cinematic works of the year — often setting the tone for Hollywood’s broader awards season.
Beyond familiar categories like Best Picture, Director, and Actor, the Circle also recognizes individuals and organizations that have made enduring contributions to the film world. Past recipients include producers, historians, writers, and even film restoration experts — a reminder that cinema’s artistry extends far beyond what audiences see on screen.
The celebration of the winners will culminate in a much-anticipated event in New York this January, where filmmakers and critics alike will come together to honor creativity, innovation, and the evolving conversation about what makes a film truly great.
But here’s the twist most people miss: while some see the NYFCC as purely a predictor of Oscars season, others argue it’s the critics’ way of championing artistry over commercial success. Which side do you fall on — is this about celebrating true cinematic craft, or does it foreshadow Hollywood’s biggest awards night? Share your thoughts below — the debate is half the fun!
