For Immediate Release
Year’s best honored by movie journalists
HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 20, 2026) — Sinners – Ryan Coogler’s exhilarating exploration of racial tension, music and vampires – captured top honors from the Houston Film Critics Society in its 19th Annual Awards.
In addition to being named Best Picture of 2025, the Society presented awards to Sinners’ creator Ryan Coogler for Best Director and Screenplay. Michael B. Jordan was named Best Actor for playing twin brothers, and the film was honored for the year’s best Ensemble Cast, Cinematography, Original Music Score and Casting. The eight wins for Sinners set a new record for the annual Society citations.
“Sinners’ landmark success should not be seen as an aberration in cinema, but instead remind us that taking creative risks allow for bold filmmaking and new visions,” said Travis Leamons, president of the organization. “As we do each year, the Houston Critics celebrate their favorites and share their enjoyment with readers and listeners alike. It just so happened we really loved horror in 2025.”
The Society selected Jesse Buckley as Best Actress as a wife and mother searching for calm in the face of tragedy in Hamnet. Honored as Best Supporting Actor was Jacob Elordi as a creature navigating an uncertain future in Frankenstein and, as Best Supporting Actress, Amy Madigan as a mysterious aunt in Weapons.
Winning the Texas Independent Film Award – for the best film made in Texas – was the documentary The Librarians, Kim A. Snyder’s non-fiction exploration of efforts to fight book banning in Texas and Florida. Sentimental Value, Joachim Trier’s tribute to family dynamics, was named Best Foreign Language Feature.
“Throughout the year, our Society members keep audiences informed about the range of films available to them in theaters and at home,” Leamons continued. “As professional journalists committed to the movie experience, we are proud to honor this year’s winners.”
The 40 members of the Houston Film Critics Society are working film journalists on television, radio, online and in traditional print. Together, they reach millions of people each week across the United States with their critiques and commentaries on film. The organization’s mission is to promote the advancement and appreciation of film in the Houston community and beyond. For a list of members, visit www.HoustonFilmCritics.com.
2025 Houston Film Critics Society Awards
Best Picture: Sinners
Best Director: Ryan Coogler, Sinners
Best Actor – Leading Role: Michael B. Jordan, Sinners
Best Actress – Leading Role: Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
Best Actor – Supporting Role: Jacob Elordi, Frankenstein
Best Actress – Supporting Role: Amy Madigan, Weapons
Best Screenplay: Ryan Coogler, Sinners
Best Animated Feature: KPop Demon Hunters
Best Cinematography: Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Sinners
Best Documentary: The Perfect Neighbor
Best Foreign Language Feature: Sentimental Value
Best Original Score: Ludwig Goransson, Sinners
Best Original Song: “Golden”, KPop Demon Hunters
Best Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash
Best Stunt Coordination Team: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Best Casting: Francine Maisler, Sinners
Best Ensemble Cast: Sinners
Texas Independent Film Award: The Librarians
MEDIA CONTACT:
Travis Leamons, President
Houston Film Critics Society
thedvdlounge@yahoo.com
