2025-2026 Movie Awards Tracker: Winners, Noms & Dates (Oscars, Golden Globes…)

No fluff, no tiny regional awards – just the ones that matter for discovering the best movies of 2025. I’ll keep this post updated until the Oscars in March 2026, so bookmark it and come back anytime!  

Let’s jump in – in chronological order.

The Gotham Awards 2025 – Winners

If you're into indie films that pack a punch, the Gotham Awards are your starting line. Run by the Gotham Film & Media Institute in New York, these honors spotlight the best independent movies—think low-budget gems that often surprise us at the Oscars. They're a huge deal because they celebrate fresh voices and can kickstart buzz for underdogs. The 35th ceremony happened on December 1, 2025, at Cipriani Wall Street, and it was a big night for bold storytelling. Here's who took home the top prizes:

One Battle After Another's win feels like a sign this PTA epic is just getting started—grab some popcorn and dive in if you haven't. Here is my detailed review: One Battle After Another (2025) – PTA’s Wild, Messy, Revolutionary Ride Through America’s Ghosts

New York Film Critics Circle (NYFCC) 2025 – Winners

The NYFCC is like the wise old uncle of awards season—formed in 1935 by New York-based critics from big outlets like The New York Times and Variety. They vote on December 1 each year (announced December 2 this time), and their picks are gold for spotting Oscar frontrunners early. No fancy ceremony, just straight talk on what moved them most from 2025's lineup. Warner Bros. cleaned up here, but it was a spread of love for global stories. Winners dropped December 2, 2025—check 'em out below:

Rose Byrne's repeat win? That's the kind of raw, funny turn that makes you root for the underseen indies—If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is a must-watch for that alone. Here is my review: If I Had Legs I'd Kick You (2025) – A Harrowing, Beautiful Nightmare of Motherhood's Madness

National Board of Review (NBR) 2025 – Winners

The NBR has been around since 1909, started by film fans, historians, and pros to promote the best in movies. They're one of the earliest voices (announced December 3 this year), and their gala in January is a cozy spot for stars to mingle. What makes them important? They mix mainstream hits with indies, often nailing Oscar vibes—think how they boosted Licorice Pizza back in the day. 2025 was a Warner Bros. party, with One Battle After Another dominating like a boss. Full winners from December 3:

DiCaprio's win screams comeback energy—One Battle After Another is that rare blockbuster with heart and brains. If you're chasing recs, start here.

AFI Awards 2025 – Top 10 Movies of the Year

The American Film Institute (AFI) keeps it simple and classy—they've been picking the top 10 U.S. films since 2000 to celebrate stories that shape our culture. No categories, no drama; just a jury of experts (filmmakers, critics, scholars) voting on artistic and entertainment impact. It's a quiet powerhouse for Oscar hints—last year, 8 of their 10 got Best Picture noms. Announced December 4, 2025, this list mixes blockbusters, indies, and everything in between. They also gave a Special Award to It Was Just an Accident for its bold international voice. Here's the alphabetical top 10:

• Avatar: Fire and Ash (20th Century Studios) – James Cameron's epic world-building returns with fire.
• Bugonia (Focus Features) – A wild, genre-bending ride.
• Frankenstein (Netflix) – Guillermo del Toro's monster reimagined.
• Hamnet (Focus Features) – Chloé Zhao's intimate family drama.
• Jay Kelly (Netflix) – Noah Baumbach's sharp character study.
• Marty Supreme (A24) – Timothée Chalamet's table tennis biopic shines.
• One Battle After Another (Warner Bros.) – PTA's revolutionary thriller.
• Sinners (Warner Bros.) – Ryan Coogler's vampire horror hit.
• Train Dreams (Netflix) – A quiet, poetic Western adaptation.
• Wicked: For Good (Universal Pictures) – The musical sequel soars.

This lineup screams variety—Avatar for spectacle, Hamnet for heart. It's like AFI's handing you a perfect watchlist to end the year strong.

Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA) 2025 – Winners

LAFCA, founded in 1975 by L.A.-based pros from places like the L.A. Times, is all about bold picks that push boundaries—they vote blind on December 7 (announced same day) to keep it fair. Super important because they've nailed 13 Best Picture Oscars over 50 years, often spotting gems like Parasite early. 2025's vote kept the momentum on One Battle After Another, but with fresh twists. They use gender-neutral acting awards (two winners each) and have "Best Film Not in English" for internationals. Winners from December 7:

Byrne's streak is unreal—four big acting wins already? If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is hilarious and heartbreaking; pair it with Blue Moon for Hawke's quiet intensity. Here is my review: Blue Moon (2025) – Started Slow, Ended Up Breaking My Heart Beautifully

Golden Globe Awards 2026 – Nominations & Winners

(Nominations: December 8, 2025 | Ceremony: January 11, 2026)

The Golden Globes are that fun, boozy kickoff to the big awards—voted on by international journalists from the Golden Globe Foundation (formerly the HFPA), they split films into drama and musical/comedy for extra sparkle. They're a huge deal because they predict Oscars, celebrate TV too (but we'll stick to movies here), and always deliver wild moments. Nominations dropped on December 8, 2025, announced live by Marlon Wayans and Skye P. Marshall from the Beverly Hilton in L.A.—and wow, One Battle After Another crushed it with nine nods total. The ceremony took place January 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton, hosted by Nikki Glaser (back for round two), airing live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ from 8 p.m. ET. Winners TBD—I'll update this table then. For now, here's the full nominee lineup in our key spots:

One Battle After Another is everywhere—DiCaprio could be locking in that Oscar push already. If you're betting on upsets, keep an eye on del Toro's Frankenstein for drama vibes or Wicked: For Good for that musical magic. Can't wait for the party! Here is my review: Frankenstein (2025) – Del Toro's Perfect Gothic Masterpiece of Life, Death, and Defiance

Critics Choice Awards 2026 – Nominations & Winners

(Nominations: December 5, 2025 | Ceremony: January 4, 2026)

The Critics Choice Awards are like the cool critics' party—voted on by over 500 members of the Critics Choice Association (journalists and broadcasters who review movies all year), they blend broad appeal with sharp insights. Super important because they're a solid Oscar bellwether (think how they nailed Oppenheimer last year) and cover both film and TV, but we'll focus on movies here. Nominations hit on December 5, 2025, announced live by Keltie Knight and Erin Lim Rhodes—Sinners stole the show with a whopping 17 nods, while One Battle After Another grabbed 14. The ceremony took place January 4, 2026, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, hosted by Chelsea Handler (her fourth go!), airing live on E! and USA Network from 7-10 p.m. ET. Winners TBD—I'll update this table then. For now, here's the full nominee lineup in our key spots:

Sinners is the beast to beat here—17 nods means it's got that vampire-horror prestige thing locked. Here is my review: Sinners (2025) – A Bold, Blues-Infused Vampire Symphony in the Jim Crow Shadows

But don't sleep on One Battle After Another; those double supporting nods for Del Toro and Penn? If you're hunting recs, Frankenstein's crafts haul screams visual feast, and Hamnet's quiet power is pulling heartstrings. January 4 can't come soon enough!

BAFTA Awards 2026 – Nominations & Winners

(Nominations: January 27, 2026 | Ceremony: February 22, 2026)

The BAFTAs are the UK's answer to the Oscars—elegant, star-packed, and voted on by over 8,100 film pros from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. They're a big deal because they often align with Oscar picks (especially for British talent), spotlight global stories, and feel like a fancy London party with real prestige. The nominations come January 27 at a live announcement in London. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another leading the pack with 14 nominations, followed closely by Ryan Coogler’s Sinners with 13. 

Best Film

The top category is a battle between high-concept epics and intimate dramas:

• Hamnet
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• Sentimental Value
• Sinners

Best Director

• This year’s list features several heavyweights and a historic nod for Chloé Zhao:
• Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another
• Ryan Coogler – Sinners
• Yorgos Lanthimos – Bugonia
• Josh Safdie – Marty Supreme
• Joachim Trier – Sentimental Value
• Chloé Zhao – Hamnet (Zhao makes history as the most-nominated female director at the BAFTAs).

Outstanding British Film

A critical category for the BAFTAs, highlighting the best of UK-led productions:

• 28 Years Later
• The Ballad of Wallis Island
• Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
• Die My Love
• H is for Hawk
• Hamnet
• I Swear
• Mr. Burton
• Pillion
• Steve

Acting Categories

Actor Awards 2026 – Nominations & Winners

(Nominations: January 7, 2026 | Ceremony: March 1, 2026 – streamed on Netflix)

SAG Awards (now officially the Actor Awards) are all about the performers—voted by over 122,000 SAG-AFTRA members, they celebrate ensemble casts and individual shine in film and TV (we'll focus on movies). They're crucial because that huge voting pool loves crowd-pleasers, and their Outstanding Cast is the closest thing to a Best Picture predictor (think how Parasite nailed it). Nominations voting wraps January 4, with the full list announced live January 7, 2026—submissions closed back in November, so the field's set. The ceremony's March 1, 2026, streaming live on Netflix from the Shrine Auditorium in L.A. (no host yet, but expect fun speeches). 

32nd Annual Actor Awards the most important film categories and the full list of nominees for each:

1. Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

This is the night's biggest prize and the primary indicator for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

• Frankenstein
• Hamnet
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• Sinners

2. Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

PGA Awards 2026 – Winners

(Producers Guild – huge Best Picture predictor | Nominations: January 9, 2026 | Ceremony: February 28, 2026)

The Producers Guild Awards honor the behind-the-scenes wizards who make movies happen—voted by 8,000+ PGA members, they're laser-focused on production excellence across film, TV, and docs. Why care? Their top film prize (Darryl F. Zanuck for Theatrical Motion Picture) is an Oscar Best Picture crystal ball (matching 11 of the last 13 winners). Noms for major categories droped January 9, 2026, with the full shebang at the February 28, 2026, gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in L.A. (not televised, but stars show up). No winners yet, but the table's ready—docs noms are in as a teaser, and I'll add the rest post-ceremony.

Darryl F. Zanuck Award (Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures)

This is the PGA’s "Best Picture" equivalent. Historically, about 80% of winners here go on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

• Bugonia
• F1
• Frankenstein
• Hamnet
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• Sentimental Value
• Sinners
• Train Dreams
• Weapons

DGA Awards 2026 – Winners

(Directors Guild – usually matches the Oscar director | Nominations: January 7-8, 2026 | Ceremony: February 7, 2026)

The DGA Awards are director heaven—voted by 19,000+ Directors Guild members, they spotlight visionary helmers in film, TV, and docs with categories like Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Film. They're Oscar gold: 17 straight winners in Director since 2007 (including Scorsese and Villeneuve). Noms for TV/docs drop January 7, 2026, features January 8; voting's open now through early January. The ceremony's February 7, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills (Beth McCarthy-Miller chairing again—expect smooth vibes). 

Here are the essential categories and nominees:

1. Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film

This is the "main event" of the DGA. The 2026 list is notable for including two horror-thriller directors (Coogler and del Toro) alongside traditional prestige picks.

• Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another
• Ryan Coogler – Sinners
• Guillermo del Toro – Frankenstein
• Josh Safdie – Marty Supreme
• Chloé Zhao – Hamnet

2. Michael Apted Award (First-Time Feature Film)

This category recognizes the best directorial debut of the year.

• Hasan Hadi – The President’s Cake
• Harry Lighton – Pillion
• Charlie Polinger – The Plague
• Alex Russell – Lurker
• Eva Victor – Sorry, Baby

Academy Awards (Oscars) 2026 – Nominations & Winners

(Nominations: January 22, 2026 | Ceremony: March 15, 2026)

The Oscars are the granddaddy of them all—voted by 10,000+ Academy members across 17 branches, celebrating everything from indie heart to blockbuster dazzle. They're the movie milestone, with global watch parties and speeches that go viral. Shortlists hit December 16, 2025 (docs, animation, international—One Battle After Another's a safe bet), then full noms January 22, 2026, live from the Academy. The 98th ceremony's March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre, hosted by Conan O'Brien (back for more laughs), airing on ABC from 7 p.m. ET. New this year: a Casting category and must-watch rules for final votes. 

2026 Oscar Nominations: Best Picture

• Bugonia - Ed Guiney & Andrew Lowe, Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone and Lars Knudsen, Producers
• F1 - Chad Oman, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Joseph Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer, Producers
• Frankenstein - Guillermo del Toro, J. Miles Dale and Scott Stuber, Producers
• Hamnet - Liza Marshall, Pippa Harris, Nicolas Gonda, Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes, Producers
• Marty Supreme - Eli Bush, Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie, Anthony Katagas and Timothée Chalamet, Producers
• One Battle after Another - Adam Somner, Sara Murphy and Paul Thomas Anderson, Producers
• The Secret Agent - Emilie Lesclaux, Producer
• Sentimental Value - Maria Ekerhovd and Andrea Berentsen Ottmar, Producers
• Sinners - Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian and Ryan Coogler, Producers
• Train Dreams - Marissa McMahon, Teddy Schwarzman, Will Janowitz, Ashley Schlaifer and Michael Heimler, Producers