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Critics Declare 2025 a Banner Movie Year as Awards Race Comes Into Focus

Critics' lists celebrate a rare blend of auteur standouts alongside crowd-pleasers under lingering consolidation questions.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets publish year-end roundups calling 2025 one of the strongest film years in recent memory.
  • Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another tops lists and is widely viewed as a leading Best Picture contender.
  • Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme draws early raves and debuts December 25, positioning it prominently in the awards conversation.
  • The year balanced prestige and popular fare, with original horror like Sinners breaking out and summer hits including F1, Jurassic World: Rebirth, and Superman; Warner Bros.’ biggest domestic earner was A Minecraft Movie, per year-end coverage.
  • Industry turbulence remains a parallel storyline, with reporting of Netflix exploring a complicated Warner Bros. deal still unresolved, even as critics cite resilient theatrical turnout and specialty venues driving buzz.