The National Society of Film Critics (NSFC) has spoken, and the winners for the 2025 film year have been announced! This prestigious organization, known for its discerning taste, has revealed its choices for the best in cinema. Let's dive into who took home the top honors.
Best Picture: The coveted award for Best Picture went to ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER, securing a solid 57 points. Runners-up included SINNERS (29 points) and THE SECRET AGENT (27 points).
Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson's work on ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER earned him the Best Director title with 54 points. Close behind were Jafar Panahi for IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT (48 points) and a tie between Richard Linklater for BLUE MOON and NOUVELLE VAGUE (39 points).
Best Actress: In the acting categories, Kathleen Chalfant's performance in FAMILIAR TOUCH was recognized with 45 points. The runners-up were Rose Byrne in IF I HAD LEGS I’D KICK YOU (39 points) and Renate Reinsve in SENTIMENTAL VALUE (37 points).
Best Actor: Ethan Hawke's performance in BLUE MOON earned him the Best Actor award with 57 points. Wagner Moura in THE SECRET AGENT (43 points) and Michael B. Jordan in SINNERS (36 points) followed as runners-up.
Best Supporting Actress: Teyana Taylor's role in ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER was celebrated with 56 points. The runners-up were Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas in SENTIMENTAL VALUE (47 points) and Wunmi Mosaku in SINNERS (41 points).
Best Supporting Actor: Benicio del Toro's performance in ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER earned him the Best Supporting Actor award with 54 points. The runners-up were Delroy Lindo in SINNERS (37 points) and Stellan Skarsgård in SENTIMENTAL VALUE (30 points).
Best Screenplay: Jafar Panahi's IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT took home the Best Screenplay award with 53 points. Robert Kaplow for BLUE MOON (50 points) and Kleber Mendonça Filho for THE SECRET AGENT (40 points) were the runners-up.
Best Cinematography: Autumn Durald Arkapaw's work on SINNERS was awarded Best Cinematography with 50 points. The runners-up were Adolpho Veloso for TRAIN DREAMS (36 points) and Michael Bauman for ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER (29 points).
Best Nonfiction Film: MY UNDESIRABLE FRIENDS: PART I — LAST AIR IN MOSCOW won Best Nonfiction Film with 56 points. The runners-up were THE PERFECT NEIGHBOR (22 points) and ORWELL: 2+2=5 (18 points).
Best Film Not In The English Language: THE SECRET AGENT was recognized as the Best Film Not In The English Language with 58 points. IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT (57 points) and SENTIMENTAL VALUE (38 points) were the runners-up.
Best Experimental Film: MORNING CIRCLE by Basma al-Sharif was awarded Best Experimental Film.
Film Heritage Awards: The NSFC also recognized significant contributions to film preservation and culture with Film Heritage Awards. This year's recipients include: The late Ken and Flo Jacobs, The Film Desk, and Cinema Tropical.
Special Citation: LANDMARKS (Lucrecia Martel) received a Special Citation for a Film Awaiting U.S. Distribution.
What do you think about the NSFC's choices? Do you agree with the winners, or were there other films you were hoping to see recognized? Share your thoughts!
