UPDATE: The NSFC has named Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” the Best Picture of 2025. It thus becomes only the fourth film in history to win the NYFCC, LAFCA, NBR, and NSFC. The other three films are “Schindler’s List,” “L.A. Confidential,” and “The Social Network.”
So, how many awards-season wins is that for PTA’s epic? Too many. From the East Coast to the West Coast, and across the Midwest, it’s been named Best Film by critics’ groups all around the country: New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas City, Austin, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, and even Toronto.
EARLIER: The National Society of Film Critics (NSFC) is an American film critic organization, known for its peculiar tastes, and its annual awards are one of the most prestigious in the United States. They are currently announcing their winners live.
The society was co-founded by Joe Morgenstern and Pauline Kael in 1966. Funnily enough, the raison d’être for the group was originally to counteract the influence of New York Times critic Bosley Crowther — who was, by far, the most read film critic in the US from 1940-1967.
Over the years, the NSFC has built a reputation for championing films and performances that often fly under the mainstream radar. Their selections frequently highlight foreign films, independent productions, and overlooked cinematic achievements.
That said, they are announcing their winners via Twitter (@TheNSFC). Results will be added as they get revealed..
Best Picture: ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER (57 points)
Runners-up:
SINNERS (29 points)
THE SECRET AGENT (27 points)Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson, ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER (54 points)
Runners-up:
Jafar Panahi, IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT (48 points)
Richard Linklater, BLUE MOON and NOUVELLE VAGUE (39 points)Best Film Not in the English Language: THE SECRET AGENT (58 points)
Runners-up:
IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT (57 points)
SENTIMENTAL VALUE (38 points)Best Nonfiction Film: MY UNDESIRABLE FRIENDS: PART I — LAST AIR IN MOSCOW (56 points)
Runners-up:
THE PERFECT NEIGHBOR (22 points)
ORWELL: 2+2=5 (18 points)Best Screenplay: Jafar Panahi, IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT (53 points)
Runners-up:
Robert Kaplow, BLUE MOON (50 points)
Kleber Mendonça Filho, THE SECRET AGENT (40 points)Best Actress: Kathleen Chalfant, FAMILIAR TOUCH (45 points)
Runners-up:
Rose Byrne, IF I HAD LEGS I’D KICK YOU (39 points)
Renate Reinsve, SENTIMENTAL VALUE (37 points)Best Supporting Actress: Teyana Taylor, ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER (56 points)
Runners-up:
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, SENTIMENTAL VALUE (47 points)
Wunmi Mosaku, SINNERS (41 points)Best Cinematography: Autumn Durald Arkapaw, SINNERS (50 points)
Runners-up:
Adolpho Veloso, TRAIN DREAMS (36 points)
Michael Bauman, ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER (29 points)Best Actor: Ethan Hawke, BLUE MOON (57 points)
Runners-up:
Wagner Moura, THE SECRET AGENT (43 points)
Michael B. Jordan, SINNERS (36 points)Best Supporting Actor: Benicio del Toro, ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER (54 points)
Runners-up:
Delroy Lindo, SINNERS (37)
Stellan Skarsgård, SENTIMENTAL VALUE (30 points)