London Critics’ Circle Awards Honor The Brutalist and Other Standout Films
The London Critics’ Circle Awards delivered an evening filled with recognition for some of the most compelling films of the year, with The Brutalist, Brady Corbet’s epic three-and-a-half-hour drama, securing the prestigious Best Picture award. The film, which stars Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce, explores the experiences of a gifted Hungarian modernist architect navigating the challenges of post-World War II America. While The Brutalist took home the top prize, it missed out in other major categories, including Best Director, which was awarded to RaMell Ross for his adaptation of Nickel Boys. The film also received the Technical Achievement award for Jomo Fray’s cinematography, further cementing its artistic merit.
Corbet expressed his gratitude in a video message, thanking the Critics’ Circle and Universal Pictures for the recognition, saying the award meant a great deal to the film’s creators. Other films also had their moment in the spotlight, including Edward Berger’s Conclave, an adaptation of Robert Harris’s papal thriller, which earned Ralph Fiennes the Best Actor award and was named British/Irish Film of the Year. Fiennes, upon accepting the award, humbly reflected on the nature of competition in acting, acknowledging the exceptional work of his fellow nominees, including Daniel Craig, Adrien Brody, Timothée Chalamet, and Colman Domingo.
Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain, a dark comedy set against the backdrop of Holocaust history, also stood out, earning awards for Kieran Culkin’s supporting performance and Eisenberg’s screenplay. Meanwhile, Marianne Jean-Baptiste took home the Actress of the Year award for her powerful role in Hard Truths, a film that offers an unflinching look at rage and depression. Jean-Baptiste, who was notably absent from this year’s Oscar nominations, described the honor as particularly meaningful coming from London.
Among the evening’s rising stars, Anora’s Mikey Madison was named Breakthrough Performer, fresh off an Academy Award nomination. The Critics’ Circle also acknowledged Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light as the Foreign Language Film of the Year, despite its absence from India’s Oscar selection, while No Other Land, directed by an Israeli and Palestinian team, took home the Documentary award.
Homegrown talent was celebrated across various categories, with Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl triumphing in animation over major contenders like Inside Out 2. Saoirse Ronan was recognized as British/Irish Performer of the Year for her work in The Outrun and Blitz, and 14-year-old Nykiya Adams received the Young British/Irish Performer award for her breakout role in Andrea Arnold’s Bird. Rich Peppiatt also earned praise as Breakthrough British/Irish Filmmaker for his energetic rap biopic Kneecap.
Daniel Craig, despite missing out on an Oscar nod, was honored with the Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film, presented by his Queer co-star Lesley Manville. The final honorary recognition of the night, the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation, went to Zoe Saldaña, who had already won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, Jacques Audiard’s musical about a Mexican gangster undergoing a gender transition.
With Emilia Pérez leading the Academy Awards race with 13 nominations—followed closely by The Brutalist and Wickedwith 10 each—the film industry continues to be shaped by bold storytelling and dynamic performances. However, Emilia Pérez has faced controversy, particularly over resurfaced comments from its lead, Karla Sofía Gascón, the first openly trans actor nominated for an Oscar. Following backlash, Gascón issued an apology and deactivated her social media, while Saldaña made efforts to distance herself from the controversy.
The London Critics’ Circle Awards once again proved to be a celebration of both established and emerging talent, highlighting films that push boundaries and spark conversation. With awards season in full swing, the industry now turns its eyes to the upcoming Academy Awards, where these films and performances will continue to make their mark.
