Full Breakdown
2025 IndieWire Critics Survey: Top Films and Performances
12/16/2025, 12:47:20 AM
Overview of the Core Event
The 2025 IndieWire Year-End Critics Survey has revealed "One Battle After Another" as the top film, receiving significant acclaim from a diverse group of 148 critics. This film not only topped the critics' poll but also secured the same position in IndieWire's internal rankings, marking a notable consensus among film reviewers.
Key Results from the Critics Survey
In the survey, "One Battle After Another" garnered 573 points, with 101 critics including it in their Top 10 lists, and 43 of those naming it their #1 choice. This level of support surpasses last year's winner, "Anora." Following "One Battle After Another," the top films included "It Was Just an Accident" with 501 points and "Sinners" with 479 points. Paul Thomas Anderson, the director of "One Battle After Another," was awarded Best Director with 199 points, significantly ahead of Ryan Coogler, who received 68 points for "Sinners."
Breakdown of Awards
- Best Film:
1. "One Battle After Another" — 573 points
2. "It Was Just an Accident" — 501 points
3. "Sinners" — 479 points
- Best Director:
1. Paul Thomas Anderson, "One Battle After Another" — 199 points
2. Ryan Coogler, "Sinners" — 68 points
- Best Performance:
1. Rose Byrne, "If I Had Legs I’d Kick You"
2. Ethan Hawke, "Blue Moon"
Diverse Representation Among Critics
The survey included critics from various countries, with 76% of voters from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Other countries represented included Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Germany, India, Japan, Poland, Serbia, South Korea, and Turkey. This international participation highlights the global interest in cinema and the diverse perspectives influencing the rankings.
Methodology of the Survey
IndieWire utilized a ranked-choice voting system for the survey, where first-place votes received 10 points, second-place votes received 9 points, and so forth. This method was also applied to determine the Best Director category, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the films and performances.
Criticism & Opposition
While the survey results reflect a strong consensus, there may be dissenting opinions among critics who feel that other films deserved more recognition. However, specific criticisms were not detailed in the sources.
Conclusion
The 2025 IndieWire Critics Survey underscores the prominence of "One Battle After Another" in contemporary cinema, with its director Paul Thomas Anderson receiving accolades for his work. The survey's methodology and the diverse representation of critics contribute to a comprehensive overview of the year's cinematic achievements.
