Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another has officially cemented its status as a critics’ favourite. The ambitious adventure drama emerged as the biggest winner at the National Society of Film Critics (NSFC) Awards, taking home Best Picture of 2025 along with multiple top honours — a major boost as the film heads deeper into awards season.
A Dominant Night for Paul Thomas Anderson
The NSFC didn’t just stop at Best Picture. Anderson was also named Best Director, underlining the critics’ admiration for his sweeping vision and confident storytelling. With the film already earning over $205 million worldwide, the recognition further strengthens its growing reputation as a serious Oscars contender.
Acting Wins Seal the Film’s Sweep
The film’s supporting cast also had a standout night. Teyana Taylor won Best Supporting Actress for her widely praised performance, while Benicio del Toro claimed Best Supporting Actor, marking a powerful double acting win for the film.
Together, these awards positioned One Battle After Another as the clear frontrunner of the evening.
About the NSFC Awards
Founded in 1966, the National Society of Film Critics is made up of more than 60 leading film critics across the United States. The group held its 60th annual voting meeting on Saturday, January 3, with critics participating in person from Los Angeles and New York, as well as virtually from around the country.
Key Winners at a Glance
Alongside One Battle After Another’s big victories, the awards also celebrated a diverse mix of international and independent cinema:
- Best Actress: Kathleen Chalfant (Familiar Touch)
- Best Actor: Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon)
- 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)
The society also handed out Film Heritage Awards, recognising organisations and filmmakers who have played a key role in preserving and promoting global cinema.
Awards Momentum Builds
With critical acclaim, strong box office numbers, and now a dominant showing at the NSFC Awards, One Battle After Another appears to be gathering unstoppable momentum. Industry watchers see these wins as an early signal that the film could remain a fixture throughout the rest of the awards circuit.
Final Words
The National Society of Film Critics has spoken — and loudly. By sweeping Best Picture, Best Director, and two major acting categories, One Battle After Another has gone from awards hopeful to full-fledged frontrunner, setting the stage for a potentially massive awards-season run.
