## The Start of Awards Season The long road to the Academy Awards begins next week as five major film organizations reveal their picks, sparking predictions about how these early honors might influence the Oscars. The Gotham Awards, New York Film Critics Circle (NYFCC), National Board of Review (NBR), and Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA) will all weigh in, marking the season’s official kickoff. ### The First Indicators Each of these groups highlights distinct trends. The Gotham Awards usually honor independent and daring works, putting rising directors and new talent into the spotlight. In contrast, the NYFCC and LAFCA often champion artistic excellence and international cinema, sometimes setting narratives that the Academy later follows. The NBR tends to balance critical and popular appeal, providing an early boost to Oscar frontrunners. ### Key Contenders This year, several films are already generating strong buzz. Conversations among industry insiders point to standout performances and auteur-driven projects dominating early mentions. The upcoming announcements may clarify which titles become the season’s must-sees and which fade in the race. > “Each of these groups has its own identity and priorities, but collectively, they shape Oscar momentum,” notes one strategist familiar with awards voting patterns. ### The Power of Early Momentum While early wins do not guarantee Oscar gold, they often build narratives that influence later stages. A film that secures multiple critics’ awards can position itself as a favorite long before the Academy’s nominations are even announced. Public perception, media attention, and campaign strategy all shift based on these initial victories. ### Looking Ahead As the season unfolds, industry observers will watch closely for patterns — which genres thrive, which studios dominate, and whether smaller films can compete with major studio fare. By the time these organizations reveal their choices, the shape of the Oscars race may become much clearer. *** **Author’s summary:** The article outlines how early critics’ awards from Gotham, NYFCC, NBR, and LAFCA shape trends and influence the momentum leading into the Oscars.

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Variety — 2025-11-30