The New York Film Critics Circle is once again shaking up the awards season with its bold and often unexpected choices. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some celebrate their picks as refreshingly unconventional, others argue they’re too far removed from mainstream tastes. This year’s live updates are already sparking debate—and we’re just getting started.
Voting is currently underway for the NYFCC’s annual awards, a tradition that has filmmakers and cinephiles alike on the edge of their seats. Last year, the group surprised many by naming The Brutalist as the best film of 2024, a choice that divided opinions but cemented their reputation for daring selections.
The first award of the night, Best First Film, went to Eephus, a debut that has critics buzzing about its innovative storytelling. This was swiftly followed by The Secret Agent taking home Best International Film, a win that highlights the NYFCC’s global perspective.
And this is the part most people miss: the early winners also include KPop Demon Hunters for Best Animated Film, a vibrant and genre-bending entry that’s sure to spark conversations about the boundaries of animation. Meanwhile, My Undesirable Friends: Part I – Last Air in Moscow snagged Best Nonfiction Film, a powerful documentary that tackles complex themes with raw honesty.
On the acting front, Benicio del Toro earned Best Supporting Actor for his gripping performance in One Battle After Another, while Amy Madigan took home Best Supporting Actress for her role in Weapons. Both wins underscore the NYFCC’s knack for recognizing talent that might otherwise fly under the radar.
As the night unfolds, The Hollywood Reporter will be updating the list of winners live. Be sure to refresh for the latest announcements, including the highly anticipated Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor/Actress categories.
Here’s the current lineup of winners:
- Best Film: [To be announced]
- Best Director: [To be announced]
- Best Actor: Wagner Moura, The Secret Agent
- Best Actress: [To be announced]
- Best Screenplay: [To be announced]
- 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
Founded in 1935, the NYFCC is a powerhouse of film criticism, comprising members from daily and weekly newspapers, magazines, and qualifying online publications. Every December, they gather in New York to vote on the best films of the previous year, a process that’s as rigorous as it is passionate.
But here’s the real question: Are the NYFCC’s choices too elitist, or do they push the boundaries of what cinema can be? Their special stand-alone awards, given to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to film, certainly suggest a broader vision. From producers and directors to historians and film restorers, these awards celebrate the unsung heroes of the industry.
The winners will be honored at a ceremony in New York this January, but the debate over their selections is already heating up. What do you think? Are the NYFCC’s picks a breath of fresh air, or do they miss the mark? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
