The race for the Academy Awards has officially kicked into high gear. The New York Film Critics Circle announced their 2025 winners today and sent a massive shockwave through Hollywood. Paul Thomas Anderson has cemented his status as a cinematic giant with his latest masterpiece taking the top honor. This victory signals a major shift in the awards season narrative and puts every other contender on notice.
Paul Thomas Anderson Secures Best Film Victory
The announcement that “One Battle After Another” won Best Film comes as a validation for critics who have championed the movie for months. It was hardly a secret that the New York members were leaning heavily toward this project. The film has been described by insiders as a sprawling epic that captures the American spirit in a way only Anderson can.
This win is critical for the film’s momentum. The New York Film Critics Circle (NYFCC) is the first major critics group to weigh in during the season. History shows that their endorsement often paves the way for Oscar glory.
It was not just a win for the film itself but for its cast as well. Benicio Del Toro took home the Best Supporting Actor trophy. His performance has been hailed as one of the most intense of his career. Critics noted that his ability to convey emotion without dialogue was a standout element of the movie.
Key Achievements for “One Battle After Another”:
- Best Film: Paul Thomas Anderson
- Best Supporting Actor: Benicio Del Toro
- Frontrunner Status: Now leads the prediction charts for the Academy Awards.
This dual victory suggests deep support for the film across multiple branches. It is not just a director’s showcase. It is an acting powerhouse. Warner Bros. now has a clear flagship contender to push for the remainder of the season.
Paul Thomas Anderson film award trophy silhouette dark background
A Surprise Split in the Director Category
While Anderson took the top film prize, the critics chose to spread the wealth in the directing category. Jafar Panahi won Best Director for his poignant film “It Was Just An Accident.” This decision highlights the group’s appreciation for international cinema and politically charged storytelling.
Panahi is no stranger to critical acclaim. His win here follows a massive night at the Gotham Awards just twenty four hours prior. There he won Best Director along with Original Screenplay and International Film. This back-to-back success suggests a groundswell of support for Panahi that could carry him all the way to the Dolby Theatre.
The choice of Panahi over Anderson for director offers a unique narrative. It shows that while the group loved Anderson’s film as a whole package, they felt Panahi’s directorial achievement stood on its own merits. The film tackles complex themes of human error and redemption.
This split verdict is actually good for the season. It keeps the race competitive. If one film had swept everything today, the excitement would vanish. Instead we have a real fight on our hands between American grandeur and international intimacy.
Acting Prizes Highlight Diverse Talents
The acting categories provided some of the most refreshing choices of the year. Rose Byrne finally received her due by winning Best Actress for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.” This A24 release allows Byrne to showcase her dramatic range mixed with physical comedy. She has long been an underrated talent in the industry. This win puts her firmly in the conversation for a Best Actress Oscar nomination.
On the male side, Wagner Moura won Best Actor for “The Secret Agent.” This film also won the prize for Best International Film. Moura delivers a performance that critics have called “haunting” and “magnetic.”
2025 Acting Winners at a Glance:
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Actress | Rose Byrne | If I Had Legs I’d Kick You |
| Best Actor | Wagner Moura | The Secret Agent |
| Supporting Actor | Benicio Del Toro | One Battle After Another |
| Supporting Actress | Amy Madigan | Weapons |
Amy Madigan rounded out the acting wins with Best Supporting Actress for “Weapons.” This is another Warner Bros. release. It shows the studio has a very strong slate this year. Madigan is a veteran actress whose work often flies under the radar. A win from the New York critics is exactly the kind of spotlight she needs to get Academy attention.
Screenplay and Technical Mastery Recognized
The New York critics love films that feel like they belong to the city. It is no surprise that the Safdie brothers found love here. Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie won Best Screenplay for “Marty Supreme.”
The film is heavily New York centric. It dives into the world of professional ping pong culture. The dialogue is fast and chaotic. It fits the frantic energy of the city perfectly. The Safdie brothers have always had a home with New York critics. This win solidifies their place as the voices of the city.
“My Undesirable Friends: Part I – Last Air in Moscow” continued its winning streak by taking Best Non-Fiction Film. This documentary also won at the Gotham Awards last night. It creates a consensus that this is the documentary to beat this year.
In a delightful twist, “KPop Demon Hunters” won Best Animated Film. Major studios usually dominate this category with massive budgets. Seeing a unique and stylistically bold film win here is refreshing. It proves that creativity still matters more than marketing dollars to the critics.
Cinematography honors went to Autumn Durald for “Sinners.” The film is visually stunning. Durald used natural light and shadow to create a mood that lingers long after the credits roll. This win will surely boost her profile in a field often dominated by men.
The season is just getting started. The National Board of Review announces their winners tomorrow. The Los Angeles Film Critics Association follows on Sunday. But for now, Paul Thomas Anderson and his team are the ones to beat.
The New York Film Critics Circle has spoken loud and clear. They have set the stage for a battle between traditional Hollywood epics and bold international voices. We now wait to see if the rest of the country agrees with their taste. One thing is certain. The road to the Oscars runs through New York.
