Gotham Awards 2025: Indies that are making waves — analysis of the nominations and underdogs

Ranking based on votes from the community

1. 

   

   1

   Benicio Del Toro

   3 votes

   • Singular presence

     (+3)

   His nomination for his performance in 'Battle After Battle' highlights the film's acting quality. Although he didn't win, his nomination underscores his talent and the film's strong presence in the acting categories.

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2. 

   

   2

   One Battle After Another

   3 votes

   

   

   

   

   1.6 M

   • Won Best Feature Film at Gotham Awards

     (+2)

   This film by Paul Thomas Anderson won Best Film at the 2025 Gotham Awards, solidifying its status as a critical favorite. It garnered six nominations, demonstrating its significant impact during awards season.

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3. 

   

   3

   Jafar Panahi

   2 votes

   • Won best director for "It Was Just an Accident"

     (+4)

   Director Jafar Panahi won Best Director for 'It Was Just an Accident'. His work was recognized by critics, highlighting his talent and vision in filmmaking.

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5. 

   4

   The Sinners

   2 votes

   

   

   

   181.3 K

   • Cast honored with Ensemble Tribute

     (+1)

   This film stood out as a strong contender, preventing 'Battle After Battle' from dominating the critics' awards. Wunmi Mosaku's performance was recognized with the Best Supporting Actress award.

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6. 

   

   5

   It Was Just an Accident

   2 votes

   

   

   

   

   95.7 K

   • Defiant rebuke of authoritarianism

     (+4)

   This film took home three awards at the 2025 Gotham Awards, including Best Director for Jafar Panahi. Its success at the awards underscores its quality and relevance in independent cinema.

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8. 

   6

   Bugonia

   2 votes

   

   

   

   

   651.4 K

   Bugonia stands out for its innovative narrative approach and risky visual aesthetic, elements that position it as a strong contender at the Gotham Awards, known for celebrating audacity and originality in independent cinema. Its provocative theme and experimental execution make it one of the most interesting and talked-about proposals within the indie circuit.

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10. 

    

    7

    East of Wall

    2 votes

    

    

    

    

    4 K

    The independent film "East of Wall" is an authentic portrait of female resilience in the New West, inspired by and performed by the women and girls who lived it. First-time director Kate Beecroft offers a raw and realistic look at a young horse trainer's struggle to keep her ranch afloat.

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11. 

    

    8

    Familiar Touch

    2 votes

    

    

    

    

    842

    • She was the favorite of the night with six nominations.

    Familiar Touch is an American film that has been nominated for Best Film and Best New Director at the 2025 Gotham Awards, standing out as one of the best independent films of the year.

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12. 

    

    9

    Hamnet

    2 votes

    

    

    

    

    7 K

    • Nominated for Best Picture - Drama

      (+3)

    Hamnet is a film that has received nominations and recognition, which positions it as a prominent work in the independent film scene.

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14. 

    

    10

    If I Had Legs I'd Kick You

    2 votes

    

    

    

    

    62.4 K

    • Shocking to the public.

      (+2)

    If I Had Legs I'd Kick You is a film that has been recognized with nominations at major independent film awards, which underlines its quality and relevance.

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