‘Sinners’ Leads 2025 Black Film Critics Circle Awards

The Black Film Critics Circle (BFCC) has named Sinners the best film of 2025. The horror flick, written, produced and directed by Ryan Coogler, is the most recognized project by BFCC this year, being awarded the prizes in seven out of its 13 categories, including best director (Coogler), best actor (Michael B. Jordan), best supporting actor (Delroy Lindo), best cinematography, best original screenplay and best ensemble performance. 

“In a year where the very idea of cultural memory is under pressure, Black cinema once again reminded us why storytelling matters, BFCC co-president Mike Sargent said in a news release. “The artists we are championing, and films like Sinners in particular, affirm that our stories are not only relevant, but essential. At a moment when erasure is no longer abstract, Black creators and Black critics have a responsibility to amplify work that insists on visibility, history, and humanity.”

Coogler is also set to receive one of BFCC’s signature honors, the pioneer award, in recognition of his work, which “continues to redefine scale, ambition and authorship in contemporary Black cinema,” the organization states.

One Battle After Another actress Chase Infiniti will receive the BFCC rising star award, recognizing her performance in which she “announces herself as a formidable new presence, bringing emotional intelligence, restraint and depth to her feature-film debut.” The Paul Thomas Anderson crime thriller was also awarded best adapted screenplay by BFCC, with Teyana Taylor being named best supporting actress.

The 2025 BFCC special mention goes to R.T. Thorne’s post-apocalyptic thriller 40 Acres, the organization noting, “the film marks the emergence of a compelling new voice of color in North American genre storytelling, one that blends social commentary, world-building and tension with striking confidence.”

See the complete list of 2025 BFCC winners below.

Best Film: Sinners

Best Director: Ryan Coogler – Sinners

Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan – Sinners

Best Actress: Tessa Thompson – Hedda

Best Supporting Actor: Delroy Lindo – Sinners

Best Supporting Actress: Teyana Taylor – One Battle After Another

Original Screenplay: Sinners

Adapted Screenplay: One Battle After Another

Cinematography: Sinners

Documentary Feature: The Perfect Neighbor

Animated Feature: K-Pop Demon Hunters

Foreign Language Film: It Was Just an Accident

Ensemble Performance: Sinners