2025 New York Film Critics Circle Awards: Winners Announced

On December 2, 2025, the New York Film Critics Circle (NYFCC) held its annual awards ceremony, marking a significant event in the film awards season. Voting commenced at 9:16 AM EST, with the first winner announced shortly after at 10:25 AM EST. The NYFCC, the oldest critics group in the United States, is known for its influence on Oscar nominations and winners, although it has not aligned with the Academy on Best Picture since 2011.

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The highlight of the ceremony was the selection of Paul Thomas Anderson's film "One Battle After Another" as Best Film. The film's critical acclaim positions it as a strong contender for the upcoming Academy Awards. Other notable winners included:

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• Best Director: Jafar Panahi for "It Was Just an Accident"

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• Best Actor: Wagner Moura for "The Secret Agent"

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• Best Actress: Rose Byrne for "If I Had Legs I’d Shoot You"

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• Best Supporting Actor: Benicio del Toro for "One Battle After Another"

Deadline Hollywood

• Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan for "Weapons"

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• Best Screenplay: "Marty Supreme"

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• Best Animated Film: "KPop Demon Hunters"

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• Best International Film: "The Secret Agent"

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• Best First Film: "Eephus"

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• Best Non-Fiction Film: "My Undesirable Friends: Part 1 – Last Air in Moscow"

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• Best Cinematography: "Sinners"

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The NYFCC has a long history of recognizing films that later receive Oscar nominations, with 31 of its Best Film selections matching the Academy's Best Picture winner over the years. However, the two organizations have diverged in recent years, with the last agreement occurring in 2012 with "The Artist." The NYFCC's choices often reflect a blend of mainstream and independent cinema, showcasing a diverse range of storytelling.

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While the NYFCC awards are celebrated for their recognition of cinematic artistry, some critics argue that the selections can be unpredictable and may overlook popular films that resonate with broader audiences. The emphasis on cinephilia over awards hype has led to winners that, while critically acclaimed, may not align with mainstream award expectations.

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The NYFCC's commitment to celebrating film artistry was echoed in various statements from its members. The organization aims to highlight films that resonate deeply with critics and cinephiles alike, rather than simply following the awards season trends.

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• “The New York Film Critics Circle is announcing its winners shortly.” — NYFCC Representative

Vulture

The 2025 NYFCC Awards set the stage for an exciting awards season, with its winners likely influencing the upcoming Academy Awards. The ceremony not only honors cinematic achievements but also reflects the evolving landscape of film criticism and appreciation.

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