The world of cinema is abuzz as the National Society of Film Critics (NSFC) gathers to crown the best films and talents of the past year. But here’s where it gets intriguing: with over 60 esteemed critics from top outlets across the nation, their choices often spark debate and set the tone for awards season. Founded in 1966, the NSFC’s annual voting process is a meticulous affair, covering categories like Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting Roles, Screenplay, and Cinematography. And this is the part most people miss: the voting isn’t a simple majority rule—it’s a weighted ballot system where each critic’s top three picks earn points (3 for first, 2 for second, 1 for third). A nominee must not only score the most points but also appear on the majority of ballots to win. If there’s no clear winner, the process repeats in multiple rounds until one emerges. Controversial? Absolutely. This method ensures a true consensus but can also lead to unexpected outcomes.
Last year, The Nickel Boys took home Best Picture, while Hard Truths, A Real Pain, and All We Imagine as Light each snagged two awards. This year’s winners are being announced live, and the excitement is palpable. Refresh for real-time updates as we reveal the top honorees.
Best Picture
Winner: [To be announced]
Runners-up: [To be announced]
Best Director
Winner: [To be announced]
Runners-up: [To be announced]
Best Actor
Winner: Ethan Hawke, *Blue Moon*
Runners-up: Wagner Moura, *The Secret Agent; Michael B. Jordan, Sinners*
Best Actress
Winner: Kathleen Chalfant, *Familiar Touch*
Runners-up: Rose Byrne, *If I Had Legs I’d Kick You; Renate Reinsve, Sentimental Value*
Best Supporting Actor
Winner: Benicio del Toro, *One Battle After Another*
Runners-up: Delroy Lindo, *Sinners; Stellan Skarsgård, Sentimental Value*
Best Supporting Actress
Winner: Teyana Taylor, *One Battle After Another*
Runners-up: Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, *Sentimental Value; Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners*
Best Screenplay
Winner: Jafar Panahi, *It Was Just an Accident*
Runners-up: Robert Kaplow, *Blue Moon; Kleber Mendonça Filho, The Secret Agent*
Best Cinematography
Winner: Autumn Durald Arkapaw, *Sinners*
Runners-up: Adolpho Veloso, *Train Dreams; Michael Bauman, One Battle After Another*
Best Nonfiction Film
Winner: [To be announced]
Runners-up: [To be announced]
Best Film Not in the English Language
Winner: [To be announced]
Runners-up: [To be announced]
Best Experimental Film
Winner: *Morning Circle*
Film Heritage Awards
Winners: Cinema Tropical, The Film Desk, The late Ken and Flo Jacobs
Special Award for a Film Awaiting U.S. Distribution
Winner: *Landmarks*
As the results roll in, one can’t help but wonder: Do these critics truly reflect the pulse of modern cinema, or are they stuck in their ways? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this year’s picks and the NSFC’s unique voting process. And don’t forget to sign up for THR newsletters to stay updated on all things film!
