The 2025 New York Film Critics Circle Awards have just dropped, and the results are already sparking debates among cinephiles. Could this be the year one of their Best Film picks finally clinches the Oscar for Best Picture? Over the past decade, nine of their top choices have earned Academy Award nominations, yet none have taken home the ultimate prize. Will 2025 break the streak? But here's where it gets controversial: while the NYFCC has a strong track record of predicting Oscar nominees, their selections often lean toward the unconventional, leaving some to wonder if they’re too ahead of the curve—or just out of step with mainstream tastes. This year’s winners, announced live by the 47 New York-based critics (including Vulture’s Alison Willmore and Bilge Ebiri), are no exception. From Eephus, the quirky Best First Film winner, to K-Pop Demon Hunters taking home the Animated Film award, the choices are bold, thought-provoking, and, yes, a little polarizing. And this is the part most people miss: the NYFCC isn’t just about predicting the Oscars—it’s about celebrating films that push boundaries and challenge audiences. Take My Undesirable Friends: Part I - Last Air in Moscow, the Nonfiction Film winner, which offers a raw, unflinching look at a forgotten chapter of history. Or The Secret Agent, the International Film winner, which blends espionage with existential dread in a way that’s both gripping and deeply unsettling. But let’s not forget the acting categories: Benicio Del Toro’s Supporting Actor win for One Battle After Another is a no-brainer, but Amy Madigan’s Supporting Actress nod for Weapons is already dividing opinions. Is her performance a masterclass in subtlety or a missed opportunity for something bolder? We want to hear from you! Here’s the full list of winners, but before you scroll, ask yourself: Do these picks deserve a spot at the Oscars, or are they too niche for the Academy’s taste? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
2025 New York Film Critics Circle Award Winners:
- Best Film: [To be announced]
- Director: [To be announced]
- Actor: [To be announced]
- Actress: [To be announced]
- Supporting Actor: Benicio Del Toro (One Battle After Another)
- Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan (Weapons)
- Screenplay: [To be announced]
- Animated Film: K-Pop Demon Hunters
- Cinematography: Sinners
- Nonfiction Film: My Undesirable Friends: Part I - Last Air in Moscow
- International Film: The Secret Agent
- First Film: Eephus
Now, here’s the burning question: Are the NYFCC’s choices too daring for the Oscars, or are they exactly what the Academy needs? Share your thoughts below—we’re all ears!
