Which critics' groups are announcing their Oscar predictions first?

The Gotham Awards, NYFCC, NBR, and LAFCA are among the first major critics' groups to announce their selections, kicking off the Oscar race.

What are the 'Big Four' critics' awards?

The 'Big Four' critics' awards include the NYFCC, NBR, LAFCA, and the National Society of Film Critics, with sweeping all four being a rare achievement.

How predictive are early critics' awards for the Oscars?

Early critics' awards often set the tone and generate buzz, but they are not always definitive predictors of Oscar winners, as history shows varied outcomes.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Oscars Race Ignites: Early Contenders Emerge

Oscars Race Ignites: Early Contenders Emerge

30 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Key critics' groups launch the Oscar race this week.
Several films are vying for early attention and buzz.
Historic sweeps by four critics' groups are rare.

Oscars Race Ignites: Early Contenders Emerge

The highly anticipated Oscar race is officially underway as influential critics' organizations begin unveiling their selections. Major groups, including the Gotham Awards, New York Film Critics Circle, National Board of Review, and Los Angeles Film Critics Association, are releasing their picks this week, signaling the early contenders and potential frontrunners.

Several films are poised to capture early attention, with Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another' considered a strong contender. Other films like Chloé Zhao's 'Hamnet' and Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' are also generating significant buzz, fueled by standout performances. While the Gotham Awards have broadened their impact since removing a budget cap, their winners often indicate films entering the awards conversation with momentum.

Historically, achieving a clean sweep across all four major critics' awards is an extremely rare accomplishment, with only a handful of films managing this feat. The early announcements from these groups, while indicative of emerging narratives, are not always predictive of Oscar outcomes, with history showing that patience is key as the season unfolds.