National Society of Film Critics Names ‘One Battle After Another’ Best Picture

The National Society of Film Critics has awarded its prestigious title of Best Picture for 2025 to Paul Thomas Anderson’s compelling film, One Battle After Another. This sweeping adventure drama has grossed over $205 million globally and is regarded as a strong contender for the upcoming Oscars. The film also secured additional honors for Best Director, Best Supporting Actress for Teyana Taylor, and Best Supporting Actor for Benicio del Toro.

Founded in 1966, the National Society of Film Critics (NSFC) held its 60th annual awards voting meeting on January 3, 2025. Members, representing over 60 of the nation’s leading film critics, convened in-person in Los Angeles and New York, while others participated virtually. The event highlights the diverse opinions and critical acclaim from across the film community.

Full List of Winners Reflects Diverse Talent

In addition to the major awards, the critics recognized several other noteworthy performances and films. Kathleen Chalfant took home the award for Best Actress for her role in Familiar Touch, with Rose Byrne and Renate Reinsve as runners-up. The Best Screenplay award went to Jafar Panahi for It Was Just an Accident, showcasing the film’s strong narrative alongside its artistic direction.

The complete list of winners illustrates the breadth of talent this year. Runners-up in significant categories include Wagner Moura for The Secret Agent and Delroy Lindo for Sinners in the acting categories. Jafar Panahi’s screenplay was particularly highlighted, indicating a trend towards international storytelling within the awards.

Acknowledging Contributions to Film Heritage

The NSFC also recognized organizations and individuals contributing significantly to film culture. The Film Heritage Awards were presented to Cinema Tropical for promoting Latin American cinema in the United States and The Film Desk for its efforts in distributing key international films. Additionally, Ken and Flo Jacobs were celebrated for their impact on the American avant-garde film scene.

The annual awards serve as a barometer for critical acclaim and set the stage for more accolades as the awards season progresses. With its impressive box office earnings and critical recognition, One Battle After Another is expected to gain further momentum as it heads toward the Academy Awards.

As the film industry continues to evolve, these awards reflect not only individual talent but also the collaborative efforts that shape cinema today. The NSFC’s recognition of diverse voices and stories reinforces the importance of storytelling in connecting audiences globally.