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Gotham Awards Kick Off Oscar Season with Frontrunners

12/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Gotham Awards open the Oscar season on December 1, three years after the budget cap was lifted.
Five key organizations will announce their picks, shaping the awards landscape.
Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another is viewed as a frontrunner.
Chloé Zhao's Hamnet and Ryan Coogler's Sinners are potential spoilers.
Since 2009, the National Board of Review's selections have had only one intersection with the Oscars.

History

Historical Context

Established in 1991 by the Gotham Film & Media Institute, the Gotham Awards initially focused on films from the Northeastern U.S. In 2004, the awards expanded their scope to include national and international films. By 2020, a budget cap lift allowed 50% of nominees from independent studios, reflecting a significant shift in the film industry's recognition landscape.

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Story summary

The Gotham Awards open the Oscar season on December 1, three years after the budget cap was lifted.
Five key organizations will announce their picks, shaping the awards landscape.
Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another is viewed as a frontrunner.
Chloé Zhao's Hamnet and Ryan Coogler's Sinners are potential spoilers.
Since 2009, the National Board of Review's selections have had only one intersection with the Oscars.

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