ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) – The North Carolina Film Critics Association announced the winners of its 14th Annual Best in Cinema Awards today, recognizing outstanding achievement in film across performance, direction, storytelling and technical craft. “Sinners,” the winner of Best Narrative Film, was awarded 10 NCFCA honors, tying the record previously set by “Oppenheimer.”

Multiple award-winners this year were dominated by Netflix, with “Frankenstein” receiving four NCFCA trophies and “KPop Demon Hunters” picking up three.

“This year’s honors reflect both age-old voices and emerging storytellers,” said Noel T. Manning II, NCFCA president, in a release. “From classic reinterpretations and biopics to bold genre-bending films, our members engaged with a wide range of cinematic work. We are grateful to the filmmakers who continue to challenge, inspire and entertain, and to our members for their thoughtful dialogue and enduring passion for cinema.”

Other award highlights included a tie for Best Foreign Language Film between “It Was Just an Accident” and “Sentimental Value,” as well as a Best Actress in a Leading Role trophy for Jessie Buckley for her work in “Hamnet.”

Three specialty awards were given as well, including:

  • The Lifetime Achievement Award for Costume Design for Ruth E. Carter, “honoring her enduring influence and artistry in cinematic costume design.”
  • The Ken Hanke Memorial Tar Heel Award for “Roofman,” “recognizing its deep connection to North Carolina through location production and storytelling.”
  • The President’s Discretionary Honor for Best in Fur Award for Indy, “the standout canine performance from Ben Leonberg’s ‘Good Boy.’“

“This honorary recognition was added this year in response to member feedback and celebrates the unique contributions of animal performers to film storytelling,” NCFCA wrote about the latter.

Read on for the full list of winners.

2025 NCFCA Best in Cinema Honors

Best Narrative Film
Sinners

Best Documentary Film
The Perfect Neighbor

Best Animated Film
KPop Demon Hunters

Best Foreign Language Film
Tie: It Was Just an Accident and Sentimental Value

Best Director
Ryan Coogler, “Sinners”

Best Actor in a Leading Role
Michael B. Jordan, “Sinners”

Best Actress in a Leading Role
Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet”

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Jacob Elordi, “Frankenstein”

Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Madigan, “Weapons”

Best Acting Ensemble
Sinners

Best Vocal Performance in Animation or Mixed Media
Arden Cho, “KPop Demon Hunters”

Best Original Screenplay
Sinners

Best Adapted Screenplay
One Battle After Another

Best Cinematography
Sinners

Best Editing
Sinners

Best Costume Design
Frankenstein

Best Hair and Makeup
Frankenstein

Best Production Design
Frankenstein

Best Special Effects
Avatar: Fire and Ash

Best Sound Design
Sinners

Best Original Score
Sinners

Best Original Song
“Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters”

Best Directorial Debut
Eva Victor, “Sorry, Baby”

Best Stunt Coordination
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

Best Breakthrough Performance
Miles Caton, “Sinners”

Lifetime Achievement Award for Costume Design
Ruth E. Carter

Ken Hanke Memorial Tar Heel Award
Roofman

Best in Fur Award – President’s Discretionary Honor

Indy, “Good Boy”

Read more about the North Carolina Film Critics Association at www.ncfilmcritics.org.