DFW Film Critics Honor ‘One Battle After Another’ as Best Film of 2025

The Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association has named One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the best film of 2025. This announcement came from the organization during its 32nd annual critics’ poll, released on December 17. The action thriller not only claimed the top honor but also secured four additional awards, solidifying its status as a standout film of the year.

In a strong showing, Leonardo DiCaprio received the award for Best Actor for his role in the film, while Teyana Taylor was recognized as Best Supporting Actress. Paul Thomas Anderson himself took home awards for both Best Director and Best Screenplay, underlining his multifaceted contributions to the film.

Top Films and Notable Awards

Following One Battle After Another in the top ten films were Sinners, Marty Supreme, Hamnet, Sentimental Value, Train Dreams, Frankenstein, Jay Kelly, Bugonia, and It Was Just an Accident.

In the acting categories, Rose Byrne was awarded Best Actress for her performance in If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You, while Stellan Skarsgård took home the prize for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Sentimental Value.

Behind-the-scenes accolades included Best Cinematography, awarded to Autumn Durald Arkapaw, and Best Score to Ludwig Göransson, both for their work on Sinners. The award for Best Foreign Language Film went to Sentimental Value, showcasing its international appeal. In the documentary category, Netflix celebrated two wins: The Perfect Neighbor for Best Documentary and KPop Demon Hunters for Best Animated Film.

The Russell Smith Award, which recognizes low-budget or innovative independent films, was presented to It Was Just an Accident, further highlighting the diversity of talent recognized in this year’s awards.

About the Association

The Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association comprises 26 journalists from various media outlets across North Texas, contributing to a comprehensive evaluation of cinema in the region. For more information about the association and its activities, interested parties can visit their official website at dfwcritics.com.

In celebrating cinematic achievements, the association not only highlights local talent but also brings attention to films that resonate on a broader scale, successfully connecting audiences with exceptional storytelling.