Gotham Awards Expand Best Feature Category Yet Snub Oscar Frontrunners

NEW YORK, NY — The 2025 Gotham Awards nominations reflect a commitment to independent cinema despite recent changes aimed at broadening eligibility. This year, the awards expanded its Best Feature category to ten nominees, yet some anticipated contenders were overlooked.

Leading the nominations is Paul Thomas Anderson‘s film, “One Battle After Another,” which garnered six nods. However, it finds itself amidst indie favorites like “Lurker” and “Sorry, Baby” on the Best Feature ballot. This is the first time the Gothams have opened the Best Feature category to ten films and the third since eliminating budget caps for nominees.

Executive Director of the Gotham Film & Media Institute, Jeffrey Sharp, emphasized the significance of this year’s nominees, stating, “This year’s nominees celebrate an extraordinary year of cinematic achievement.” The nominees encompass a range of stories, demonstrating a commitment to bold, original storytelling.

Notably, films like Ryan Coogler’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value” did not receive nominations despite being strong contenders. The awards’ nominations committee comprised film critics and industry professionals responsible for selecting films, reinforcing the Gothams’ focus on artistic merit over box office success.

Despite the expanded category, the Gothams maintain their independent spirit, highlighting films that often go unnoticed at larger award shows. The ceremony will take place on December 1 at Cipriani Wall Street, where winners will be celebrated for their contributions to cinema.