The New York Film Critics Circle 2025 Winners Are Rolling In — And The Race Is Already Stirring Debate
The New York Film Critics Circle (NYFCC) has officially begun voting for its highly anticipated annual awards, marking one of the most respected starts to Hollywood’s award season. As ballots continue to roll in, cinephiles everywhere are watching closely — because these critics have a reputation for shaping the early momentum of the Oscars.
Last year, the Circle crowned The Brutalist as its Best Film of 2024, shocking some and thrilling others with the bold choice. This year’s results might prove just as divisive — and the first few winners already hint at a fascinating direction for the group’s taste.
The very first award revealed was for Best First Film, going to Eephus, a striking debut that critics say “defies conventional storytelling.” Next came Best International Film, awarded to The Secret Agent, which also earned Wagner Moura the Best Actor recognition — a double success few saw coming.
Other early honors include a mix of veterans and fresh voices. Benicio del Toro snagged Best Supporting Actor for his intense performance in One Battle After Another. Amy Madigan claimed Best Supporting Actress for Weapons, while the action-packed KPop Demon Hunters triumphed in the Best Animated Film category. Meanwhile, My Undesirable Friends: Part I – Last Air in Moscow secured Best Nonfiction Film, praised for its daring political candor. Rounding out the list so far is Sinners, earning acclaim for Best Cinematography with its haunting, painterly visuals.
Here’s the live-updating list as it stands — but stay tuned, because more winners are being announced in real time:
Best Film:
Best Director:
Best Actor: Wagner Moura, The Secret Agent
Best Actress:
Best Screenplay:
Best Supporting Actor: Benicio del Toro, One Battle After Another
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan, Weapons
Best Animated Film: KPop Demon Hunters
Best Cinematography: Sinners
Best First Film: Eephus
Best International Film: The Secret Agent
Best Nonfiction Film: My Undesirable Friends: Part I – Last Air in Moscow
But here’s where it gets interesting: Founded back in 1935, the NYFCC is not a Hollywood publicity machine — it’s a collective of seasoned critics representing newspapers, magazines, and online outlets across the United States. Every December, they convene in New York City to debate and vote on the best achievements in cinema from the past year. Their choices often ignite conversation — and sometimes controversy — within the industry.
Beyond the main competitive categories, the Circle also recognizes special honorees: individuals and organizations who have profoundly impacted the art and preservation of film. Past recipients have included trailblazing directors, devoted film historians, and even restoration teams ensuring that classic cinema lives on for future generations.
Winners from this year’s selection will gather in New York this coming January for a celebratory awards dinner — but until then, the live updates continue to fuel speculation about which film will ultimately reign supreme.
Which of these early selections surprise you the most? Do you agree with the critics’ picks so far — or do you think the NYFCC is out of touch this year? Drop your thoughts in the comments; this debate is just getting started.
