Critics Stunned! 'One Battle After Another' Sweeps Awards – What's the Hype?

New York Film Critics 2025 Winners: ‘One Battle After Another’ Wins Best Film

Critics Stunned! 'One Battle After Another' Sweeps...

The New York Film Critics Circle (NYFCC), known for their discerning tastes and lengthy debates, has spoken! After a marathon session that clocked in at nearly four hours, the organization awarded its coveted Best Film prize to Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another," a Warner Bros. release. The announcement, which came after voting commenced around 9:16 AM EST, signals what could be a strong contender in the upcoming awards season.

The NYFCC, with its 50-plus members, isn't afraid to buck trends, and their choices often provide a fascinating counterpoint to the more predictable picks. Last year, for instance, they handed Best Picture to Brady Corbet's "The Brutalist," with Adrien Brody also taking home Best Actor honors. Interestingly, some of their picks, like Brody, Kieran Culkin for "Real Pain," and the screenwriters for "Anora" ended up being Academy Award winners as well, making the NYFCC a bellwether, to some extent.

Perhaps one of the most poignant awards of the day was Best Director, which went to Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi for "It Was Just an Accident," the film that also snagged the Palme d'Or at Cannes. It's worth remembering that Panahi is currently serving a one-year prison sentence and facing a two-year travel ban imposed by the Iranian government. Just last night, he dedicated his Best Screenplay award at The Gothams to filmmakers "deprived of the right to see and be seen." It's a powerful statement and a reminder of the stakes involved in artistic expression.

Other notable winners include Benicio Del Toro for Best Supporting Actor in "One Battle After Another" (making it a double win for Anderson's film!), and the screenplay award going to Josh Safdie and Ronald Bronstein for "Marty Supreme." Autumn Durald Arkapaw was recognized for her stunning cinematography in "Sinners," while "My Undesirable Friends: Part I – Last Air in Moscow" took home the prize for Non-Fiction Film. The Museum of Moving Image and Screen Slate also received well-deserved Special Prizes.

Now, before I sign off, I have to add my own two cents. There's a real buzz building around Amy Madigan's performance in "Weapons." While she didn’t win today, many feel she deserves some serious recognition for Best Supporting Actress. Her portrayal of Gladys has clearly resonated with audiences, adding layers of complexity to what could have easily been a one-dimensional villain. It's the kind of performance that elevates a film and sticks with you long after the credits roll.