‘Sinners’ Named Best Film of 2025, Nabs Seven Other Wins From African American Film Critics

The African American Film Critics Association has named Sinners as its best film of 2025, with the Ryan Coogler-directed movie also receiving seven other awards from the group, including best ensemble and Coogler himself winning best director and best writing.

Michael B. Jordan was named best actor for his lead role(s) as twins in the feature; Wunmi Mosaku won best supporting actress; and Ludwig Goransson won best music. Young actor Miles Caton received the Emerging Face (Actor) award, with One Battle After Another‘s Chase Infiniti winning the Emerging Face (Actress) counterpart.

Hedda also won multiple awards, with star Tessa Thompson named best actress for her work in the movie that was named best independent feature. The movie was also the AAFCA‘s pick for third-best film of the year, with One Battle After Another taking the second spot.

“The cinematic voices recognized this year remind us of the power of film to challenge, inspire and unite,” AAFCA president and co-founder Gil Robertson said in a statement. “From bold new visions to unforgettable performances, these winners represent storytellers who are pushing the art form forward while speaking to the moment we are living in. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and the impact their work continues to have on audiences worldwide.”

Winners will be recognized at the 17th annual AAFCA Awards on Feb. 8, 2026.

Read on for the AAFCA’s top 10 films of 2025 and award winners follow.

AAFCA’S TOP 10 FILMS OF THE YEAR

Sinners (Warner Bros.)
One Battle After Another (Warner Bros.)
Hedda (Amazon MGM)
Frankenstein (Netflix)
Hamnet (Focus Features)
Wicked: For Good (Universal Pictures)
F1 (Apple/Warner Bros.)
One of Them Days (Sony Pictures Releasing)
The Knife (Relativity Media)
The Smashing Machine (A24)

WINNERS | 17TH ANNUAL AAFCA AWARDS

BEST ACTOR – Michael B. Jordan, Sinners (Warner Bros.)

BEST ACTRESS – Tessa Thompson, Hedda (Amazon MGM)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS – Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners (Warner Bros.)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR – Damson Idris, F1 (Apple/Warner Bros.)

BEST DOCUMENTARY – The Perfect Neighbor (Netflix)

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE – KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix)

BEST DIRECTOR – Ryan Coogler, Sinners (Warner Bros.)

BEST WRITING – Ryan Coogler, Sinners (Warner Bros.)

EMERGING FACE (ACTOR) – Miles Caton, Sinners  (Warner Bros.)

EMERGING FACE (ACTRESS) – Chase Infiniti, One Battle After Another (Warner Bros.)

BEST INDEPENDENT FEATURE – Hedda (Amazon MGM)

BEST ENSEMBLE – Sinners (Warner Bros.)

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT – The Rebel Girls

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT – Hoops, Hopes & Dreams

BEST ANIMATED SHORT – Black Man, Black Man

BEST MUSIC – Ludwig Göransson, Sinners (Warner Bros.)

A previous version of this story misstated the date of the 2026 AAFCA Awards. It will take place on Feb. 8.

View this article at The Hollywood Reporter.