'Continual Success' Secures Five National Board of Review Prizes — Check Out the Complete List

Paul Thomas Anderson is having an extraordinary week with his latest film, One Battle After Another. Following wins for Best Feature at the Gotham Awards and Best Film from the New York Film Critics Circle, the movie has now claimed five honors from the National Board of Review (NBR): Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio, Best Supporting Actor for Benicio Del Toro, and Breakthrough Performance for Chase Infiniti.

Rose Byrne, star of If I Had Legs Id Kick You, who was also recognized by the New York Film Critics Circle, earned the NBR award for Best Actress.

Paul Thomas Anderson is a leading force in modern cinema. He has created a film that is bold, humorous, and exhilarating, capturing the essence of our world while telling a tender, playful story of a father and daughter navigating extraordinary events. The NBR is thrilled to honor this exceptional work, said NBR President Annie Schulhof.

Alongside individual awards, the NBR released its lists of top 10 films, top five international films, and top five documentaries. Established in 1909, the organization celebrates outstanding achievements in filmmaking. This year, a curated group of 265 films were screened by film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and academics, many accompanied by in-depth discussions with directors, actors, and other key creatives. Votes were verified by Lutz and Carr CPA.

The 2025 NBR winners will be celebrated at a gala on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, hosted by Willie Geist.

National Board of Review 2025 Award Winners

• Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
• Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another
• Best Actress: Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs Id Kick You
• Best Supporting Actor: Benicio Del Toro, One Battle After Another
• Best Supporting Actress: Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Sentimental Value
• Best Directorial Debut: Eva Victor, Sorry, Baby
• Breakthrough Performance: Chase Infiniti, One Battle After Another
• Best Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler, Sinners
• Best Adapted Screenplay: Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar, Train Dreams
• Best International Film: It Was Just an Accident
• Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography: Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Sinners
• Outstanding Achievement in Stunt Artistry: Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning
• NBR Freedom of Expression Award: Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk

Top 5 International Films (Alphabetical)

• To be announced by NBR

Top 5 Documentaries (Alphabetical)

• To be announced by NBR

Analysis: Paul Thomas Anderson's Triumph at the 2025 National Board of Review Awards

Paul Thomas Anderson has cemented his position as a leading figure in contemporary cinema with his latest film, One Battle After Another. The director has achieved an extraordinary recognition, winning five prestigious awards at the 2025 National Board of Review (NBR). Anderson’s sweeping success, which includes Best Film, Best Director, and acting honors for Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio Del Toro, further solidifies his impact on the industry. The film’s breakthrough performance by Chase Infiniti also adds another layer to its success.

The NBR's recognition of One Battle After Another speaks volumes about its bold storytelling and cinematic vision. Anderson's exploration of complex relationships, as seen in the father-daughter dynamic, resonates deeply with audiences and critics alike. The film's humor, tenderness, and exhilarating narrative have struck a chord, earning Anderson not only accolades but also continued praise from the film community.

Additionally, the NBR's awards spotlight performances from other notable actors. Rose Byrne’s achievement for her role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You highlights her exceptional talent, further boosting the recognition of strong female performances in 2025. Benicio Del Toro’s supporting role in Anderson’s film, along with Chase Infiniti’s breakthrough performance, are further indicative of the movie's ensemble strength.

The NBR's annual awards celebrate excellence in filmmaking, and this year’s selections reflect a diverse range of genres and themes, with films like Sinners and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning also gaining recognition. The event's influence within the film industry remains significant, with the winners announced in a highly anticipated gala in January 2026.

In conclusion, the 2025 NBR awards underscore Paul Thomas Anderson's continued dominance in the film world. One Battle After Another stands as a testament to his unmatched ability to create emotionally rich, visually captivating narratives that speak to the heart of modern cinema. With numerous accolades already under his belt, Anderson's future projects are eagerly awaited by both critics and audiences alike.

Sources:

• ‘One Battle After Another’ Wins Five National Board of Review Prizes — See the Full List