National Board of Review Names 'One Battle After Another' the Best Film of the Year

Paul Thomas Andersons One Battle After Another continued its momentum in the early awards circuit on Wednesday, earning the National Board of Reviews top honor for Best Film. The organization, composed of film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and academics, awarded the Warner Bros. crime thriller a total of five major accolades, including Best Director for Anderson and Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio.

Benicio Del Toro received the Best Supporting Actor award, while Chase Infiniti was recognized with the Breakthrough Performer honor. The films recent victories follow its recognition as Best Feature at the Gotham Film Awards on Monday and its Best Film win at the New York Film Critics Circle on Tuesday.

Other notable National Board of Review winners included Rose Byrne, who earned Best Actress for If I Had Legs Id Kick You, repeating her win from the NYFCC vote. Cannes Palme dOr recipient It Was Just an Accident was named Best International Film, Arco took Best Animated Film, and the documentary Cover-Up earned Best Documentary.

In screenwriting categories, Ryan Coogler won Best Original Screenplay for Sinners, another Warner Bros. production, while Best Adapted Screenplay went to Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar for Netflixs Train Dreams. Sinners also earned Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography for DP Autumn Durald Arkapaw, making it the only other film besides One Battle After Another to receive multiple individual awards.

The 2025 honorees will be celebrated at the NBRs annual gala on January 13, 2026, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, with NBCs Willie Geist hosting. Last year, Universals Wicked received Best Film, Best Director for Jon M. Chu, and the NBR Spotlight Award for stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

2025 National Board of Review Major Awards

• 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

Analysis: The Growing Momentum of "One Battle After Another"

As the awards season kicks off, Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" has emerged as a frontrunner, securing the National Board of Review's (NBR) top honor for Best Film. The film's impressive haul of five major awards, including Best Director for Anderson and Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio, signals its increasing presence in the early phase of the awards circuit. This victory follows a strong week for the film, having already claimed Best Feature at the Gotham Film Awards and Best Film at the New York Film Critics Circle.

These accolades highlight the film’s broad appeal, with both the industry and critics praising its direction, performances, and overall impact. The recognition of Benicio Del Toro’s Best Supporting Actor award and Chase Infiniti’s Breakthrough Performer honor further solidifies the ensemble's strength. Additionally, "One Battle After Another" stands out as the only film to receive multiple individual awards, alongside "Sinners," which won Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography.

Meanwhile, other NBR winners, such as Rose Byrne for Best Actress and Ryan Coogler for Best Original Screenplay, reflect a diverse array of cinematic achievements this year. With the momentum building, "One Battle After Another" is poised to remain a key contender through the rest of the season, underscoring the film's enduring relevance and appeal across various categories.

The 2025 National Board of Review winners will be celebrated at a gala event on January 13, 2026, in New York City, adding another layer of anticipation for the year's awards circuit.

Sources:

• ‘One Battle After Another’ Named Year’s Best Film By National Board Of Review