The world of cinema is abuzz as the National Society of Film Critics (NSFC) gathers to crown the best films and talents of the past year. But here's where it gets controversial: with over 60 esteemed critics from across the nation, their choices often spark debates among cinephiles and industry insiders alike. Founded in 1966, the NSFC has become a cornerstone of film criticism, annually recognizing excellence in categories like Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting Roles, Screenplay, and Cinematography. This year’s live voting process promises to be as thrilling as ever, with winners announced in real-time. Refresh this page to stay updated!
How Does the Voting Work?
The NSFC employs a weighted ballot system that’s both intricate and fair. Critics rank their top three choices in each category, assigning three points to their first pick, two to the second, and one to the third. The nominee with the most points and a majority presence on ballots wins. If no clear winner emerges, the process moves to a second ballot, and voting continues until a victor is declared. And this is the part most people miss: this method ensures that winners not only excel in quality but also resonate widely among the diverse group of critics.
Last Year’s Highlights
In 2025, Nickel Boys took home the Best Picture award, while Hard Truths, A Real Pain, and All We Imagine as Light each secured two accolades. This year’s contenders are equally compelling, with films like Blue Moon, Sinners, and One Battle After Another vying for top honors. Bold prediction: expect some unexpected winners to shake up the conversation!
2026 NSFC Winners (Updating Live)
Best Picture
- Winner: [To be announced]
- Runners-up: [To be announced]
Best Director
- Winner: [To be announced]
- Runners-up: [To be announced]
Best Actor
- Winner: Ethan Hawke, Blue Moon
- Runners-up: Wagner Moura, The Secret Agent; Michael B. Jordan, Sinners
Best Actress
- Winner: Kathleen Chalfant, Familiar Touch
- Runners-up: Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs Id Kick You; Renate Reinsve, Sentimental Value
Best Supporting Actor
- Winner: Benicio del Toro, One Battle After Another
- Runners-up: Delroy Lindo, Sinners; Stellan Skarsgard, Sentimental Value
Best Supporting Actress
- Winner: Teyana Taylor, One Battle After Another
- Runners-up: Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Sentimental Value; Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners
Best Screenplay
- Winner: Jafar Panahi, It Was Just an Accident
- Runners-up: Robert Kaplow, Blue Moon; Kleber Mendonça Filho, The Secret Agent
Best Cinematography
- Winner: Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Sinners
- Runners-up: Adolpho Veloso, Train Dreams; Michael Bauman, One Battle After Another
Best Nonfiction Film
- Winner: [To be announced]
- Runners-up: [To be announced]
Best Film Not in the English Language
- Winner: [To be announced]
- Runners-up: [To be announced]
Best Experimental Film
- Winner: Morning Circle
Film Heritage Awards
- Winners: Cinema Tropical, The Film Desk, The late Ken and Flo Jacobs
Special Award for a Film Awaiting U.S. Distribution
- Winner: Landmarks
Thought-Provoking Question: With the NSFC’s emphasis on critical consensus, do you think their choices truly reflect the best in cinema, or is there room for more subjective interpretations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates from this prestigious event. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for daily THR news delivered straight to your inbox! Subscribe Here
