Key Takeaways
- One Battle After Another was the biggest winner at the 2025 NSFC Awards, earning four major honors
- Paul Thomas Anderson won Best Director, solidifying the film’s awards-season momentum
- Ethan Hawke took Best Actor, while Leonardo DiCaprio was notably absent from the winners
- The National Society of Film Critics highlighted 2025 as a powerful year for films about revolution and solidarity
One Battle After Another Tops the 2025 NSFC Awards
One Battle After Another emerged as the standout film at the 2025 National Society of Film Critics (NSFC) Awards, claiming Best Picture and leading the night with a total of four wins. The recognition reinforces the film’s strong critical support as awards season continues to build momentum.
In addition to Best Picture, the film earned:
- Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson
- Best Supporting Actress for Teyana Taylor
- Best Supporting Actor for Benicio del Toro
The sweep confirms One Battle After Another as one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year.
Paul Thomas Anderson Shines as Best Director
Paul Thomas Anderson’s win for Best Director further cements his reputation as one of contemporary cinema’s most influential filmmakers. Critics praised the film’s ambition, thematic depth, and assured direction, placing it ahead of notable competitors including Jafar Panahi and Richard Linklater.
The NSFC’s recognition often signals strong long-term prestige, particularly among cinephiles and industry insiders.
Best Actor Goes to Ethan Hawke, Not Leonardo DiCaprio
Despite One Battle After Another’s success, Leonardo DiCaprio did not win Best Actor, a result that surprised many awards watchers. Instead, the honor went to Ethan Hawke for his performance as lyricist Lorenz Hart in Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon.
Runners-up in the category included:
- Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent)
- Michael B. Jordan (Sinners)
The outcome highlights the NSFC’s tendency to spotlight nuanced, character-driven performances.
Other Major Film Winners at the NSFC Awards
Several other films made a strong impression with critics, underscoring the diversity of storytelling celebrated this year:
- Best Actress: Kathleen Chalfant (Familiar Touch)
- Best Screenplay: Jafar Panahi (It Was Just an Accident)
- Best Film Not in the English Language: The Secret Agent
- Best Nonfiction Film: My Undesirable Friends: Part I — Last Air in Moscow
- Best Cinematography: Autumn Durald Arkapaw (Sinners)
- Best Experimental Film: Morning Circle (Basma al-Sharif)
A Year Defined by Revolution and Solidarity
NSFC chair Justin Chang described 2025 as “a great year for movies,” pointing to a notable concentration of films centered on themes of revolution, resistance, and collective struggle.
Following what he called a challenging year for journalism and filmmaking, Chang emphasized how meaningful it was to honor films like One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, and Sinners, which resonated deeply with critics for both artistic and political reasons.
Why the NSFC Awards Matter
While not as commercial as other awards shows, the National Society of Film Critics Awards are highly influential within the industry. Their picks often spotlight films that prioritize bold storytelling, social relevance, and artistic risk—qualities that frequently shape long-term awards narratives.
For filmmakers, actors, and creatives, recognition from the NSFC can significantly elevate a project’s prestige and visibility heading into the remainder of awards season.
Full List of Key NSFC Awards 2025 (Highlights)
Best Picture:
Winner: One Battle After Another
Runners-up: Sinners; The Secret Agent
Best Director:
Winner: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)
Best Actor:
Winner: Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon)
Best Supporting Actress:
Winner: Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another)
Best Supporting Actor:
Winner: Benicio del Toro (One Battle After Another)
As awards season continues, One Battle After Another’s dominance at the NSFC Awards positions it as one of the most important films of the year—and one that industry professionals will be watching closely in the weeks ahead.
