Gotham Awards Nominations: Big-Budget ‘One Battle After Another’ Leads With Record-Breaking Six, Adam Sandler and Jessie Buckley Score Acting Nods

The Gotham Awards, long celebrated for recognizing excellence in independent cinema, have unveiled their nominations for the current year, sparking considerable discussion within the film industry. Leading the pack with an unprecedented six nominations is Paul Thomas Anderson’s expansive action epic, “One Battle After Another.” This marks a significant moment for the awards, as the big-budget film’s strong showing comes after the organization removed its previous budget caps for eligibility. Alongside this genre-bending frontrunner, seasoned performers Adam Sandler and Jessie Buckley have garnered acting nods, highlighting the diverse range of talent acknowledged by the Gotham Film & Media Institute.

“One Battle After Another” Makes Gotham Awards History

Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” has made a notable impact on this year’s Gotham Awards nominations, securing a record-breaking six mentions. This includes a coveted spot for Best Feature, along with acting nominations for Benicio Del Toro, Teyana Taylor, and breakthrough performer Chase Infiniti. The film’s robust presence is particularly significant given its substantial budget, reportedly exceeding $130 million. This stands in contrast to previous Gotham Awards cycles, which historically limited eligibility to films with budgets not exceeding $35 million. The removal of this cap three years ago has paved the way for larger productions to compete, a shift that became more evident this year with “One Battle After Another’s” nominations.

Distinguished Acting Recognitions

The Gotham Awards continue their tradition of celebrating exceptional performances with a gender-neutral lead acting category. This year, the lineup features ten nominees, including best actress frontrunner Jessie Buckley for her role in “Hamnet”. Other prominent names in this category include Lee Byung-hun for “No Other Choice,” Rose Byrne in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” Ethan Hawke for “Blue Moon,” Jennifer Lawrence in “Die My Love,” Amanda Seyfried for “The Testament of Ann Lee,” and Tessa Thompson for “Hedda”.

In the Outstanding Supporting Performance category, former Gotham acting winner Adam Sandler received a nomination for his work in “Jay Kelly”. He is joined by other critically acclaimed performances such as Jacob Elordi’s transformative portrayal as the Monster in “Frankenstein” and Wunmi Mosaku for “Sinners”. Additionally, the Breakthrough Performer category recognizes rising stars like Chase Infiniti for “One Battle After Another,” A$AP Rocky for “Highest 2 Lowest,” Sebiye Behtiyar in “Preparation for the Next Life,” Abou Sangaré for “Souleymane’s Story,” and Tonatiuh in “Kiss of the Spider Woman”.

Broad Recognition Across Key Categories

Beyond the headline-grabbing nominations, the Gotham Awards acknowledge a wide array of cinematic achievements across various categories. The Best Feature category, which now boasts ten nominees, includes diverse titles such as “Bugonia,” “East of Wall,” “Familiar Touch,” “Hamnet,” “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” “Lurker,” “Sorry, Baby,” “The Testament of Ann Lee,” and “Train Dreams”.

The Best Director nominations feature talents like Mary Bronstein for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” Jafar Panahi for “It Was Just an Accident,” Kelly Reichardt for “The Mastermind,” Paul Thomas Anderson for “One Battle After Another,” and Oliver Laxe for “Sirât”. Breakthrough directors are also celebrated, with nominees including Constance Tsang (“Blue Sun Palace”) and Sarah Friedland (“Familiar Touch”). Furthermore, awards are presented for Best International Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Adapted Screenplay, highlighting a comprehensive appreciation for narrative and craft.

The Selection Process and Industry Perspective

The rigorous selection process for the Gotham Awards involves committees comprised of film critics, journalists, programmers, and curators who determine the nominees. The final winners are then chosen by distinct juries consisting of filmmakers, producers, editors, and actors. This multi-layered approach aims to ensure a comprehensive and informed decision-making process.

Jeffrey Sharp, Executive Director of the Gotham Film & Media Institute, praised this year’s nominees, emphasizing their creativity and diverse storytelling. He stated, “This year’s nominees celebrate an extraordinary year of cinematic achievement — one defined by bold, original storytelling, festival breakouts and filmmakers whose independent vision extends across studios and streamers”. Sharp’s comments underscore the Institute’s commitment to recognizing accomplished filmmakers and performers who embody the independent spirit that has characterized the Gothams for decades.

Notable Omissions and Considerations

As with any awards season, certain omissions from the nomination lists draw attention. For instance, “Sentimental Value,” Norway’s Oscar submission in the international feature category, was not among the Gotham nominees for Best Feature, nor did its leading actress, Renate Reinsve, receive a nod. However, its supporting players Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas and Stellan Skarsgård were recognized. Other films, such as “Marty Supreme” and “Is This Thing On?”, were not submitted for consideration due to not being finished in time for the committee members to vote. Such instances illustrate the tight timelines and competitive landscape inherent in the awards circuit.

Conclusion

The 2025 Gotham Awards nominations present a compelling snapshot of cinematic achievement, showcasing a blend of established talents and emerging voices. The record-breaking six nominations for “One Battle After Another” signal a potential shift in how independent film awards engage with larger-budget productions, while the recognition of actors like Adam Sandler and Jessie Buckley reinforces the awards’ commitment to outstanding performances. As the industry anticipates the ceremony on December 1st in New York, the nominations serve as a testament to the diverse, original, and vibrant storytelling defining contemporary cinema.