- The African American Film Critics Association named Sinners the Best Film of 2025.
- Ryan Coogler secured multiple awards, winning Best Director and Best Writing for the movie.
- Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor; Tessa Thompson received Best Actress for Hedda.
- AAFCA President Gil Robertson praised the winners for pushing the art form forward.
The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has announced its picks for the best cinema of 2025, and one title stands far above the rest: Sinners. The movie, directed by Ryan Coogler, swept the major categories, claiming a total of eight wins, including the coveted title of Best Film. This decisive victory highlights the powerful storytelling and acting recognized by the critics group this year, setting the stage for the upcoming awards season buzz.
Coogler’s work was lauded as particularly resonant, earning him both Best Director and Best Writing awards. This recognition reinforces his reputation as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary film. The sheer depth of talent in the project was undeniable, with the film also winning the Best Ensemble award, underscoring the strong synergy among the cast members. This emphasis on collaborative excellence speaks volumes about the quality of the production.
The acting categories saw major recognition for the film’s stars. Michael B. Jordan was honored with Best Actor for his complex lead role as twins, a performance critics are citing as masterful. Wunmi Mosaku received the Best Supporting Actress award, further cementing the film’s acting prowess. Even the younger generation was highlighted, with Miles Caton securing the Emerging Face (Actor) award for his role in Sinners.
While Sinners led the night, other films received significant recognition. Hedda, which was ranked the third-best film of the year by AAFCA, received two major awards: Best Actress for the brilliant Tessa Thompson and Best Independent Feature. Additionally, Damson Idris won Best Supporting Actor for F1, and Chase Infiniti earned the Emerging Face (Actress) award for One Battle After Another. AAFCA President Gil Robertson noted that these cinematic voices “challenge, inspire, and unite,” speaking directly to the cultural moment we are living in.
The AAFCA Awards ceremony, set for February 18, 2026, will celebrate these achievements and the impact of these films on audiences worldwide. Now is the perfect time to catch up on the AAFCA’s top ten list.
See the critically acclaimed film Sinners and the rest of the AAFCA winners now streaming and in theaters!
