‘One Battle After Another’ Named Best Film of 2025 by Vancouver Film Critics Circle

Hollywood Reporter

by Etan Vlessing

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Vancouver Film Critics Circle has crowned Paul Thomas Anderson’s *One Battle After Another* as the Best Picture of 2025, further solidifying its position as a major contender for upcoming awards season glory. The film, which previously received seven nominations from the group, also earned Anderson the Best Director award and a nod for Best Screenplay. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and featuring standout performances by Benicio Del Toro, Teyana Taylor, and Sean Penn, *One Battle After Another* tells the story of an ex-revolutionary group navigating political tensions in a gripping politically-charged thriller. Its success at the Vancouver Critics Awards adds to its momentum as it continues to build buzz ahead of the 2026 Academy Awards. Meanwhile, Ryan Coogler’s *Sinners*, a slick vampire film, claimed two major wins: Best Director and Best Screenplay. Both *One Battle After Another* and *Sinners* are considered strong contenders for Oscar nominations, with critics noting their standout performances, innovative storytelling, and technical excellence. The awards also recognized other notable achievements in acting and filmmaking. Timothée Chalamet won Best Male Actor for his role in Josh Safdie’s *Marty Supreme*, a film about a ping-pong caper, while Jessie Buckley earned Best Female Actor honors for her performance in Chloé Zhao’s *Hamnet*, a Shakespearean-inspired heartbreaker. The ceremony also highlighted standout achievements in non-fiction and international cinema. Geeta Gandbhir’s *The Perfect Neighbor* took home the Best Documentary prize, exploring the consequences of Stand Your Ground laws through the lens of a fatal 2023 shooting. Additionally, Jafar Panahi’s *It Was Just an Accident*, an Iranian film, was named Best International Film in a language other than English. These selections underscored the diversity and depth of global cinema, offering readers a glimpse into the broader trends shaping entertainment this year. The Vancouver Critics Awards not only reflect the city’s vibrant film community but also serve as a key indicator of potential Oscar contenders. With *One Battle After Another* and *Sinners* leading the charge, along with other notable wins for *Marty Supreme*, *Hamnet*, and *It Was Just an Accident*, the event showcased the power of storytelling across genres and cultures. For entertainment enthusiasts, these awards provide a valuable preview of films to watch and stars to follow as the 2026 Academy Awards approach, offering insights into what could shape the future of cinema.

Verticals

entertainmentfilm

Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/24/2026