Get ready for an exciting morning as the Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA) reveals the winners of their 51st annual awards! This prestigious event is a highlight for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
LAFCA has a remarkable track record of predicting Oscar winners. Last year's top pick, Sean Baker's Anora, went on to win the Best Picture Oscar, joining an elite list of LAFCA-chosen films like The Hurt Locker, Spotlight, Moonlight, and Parasite. Since 2009, an impressive six LAFCA-winning directors have also taken home the Oscar for Best Director.
But here's where it gets controversial... LAFCA's choices often challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what's considered 'excellence' in filmmaking.
This year, the Career Achievement Award goes to Philip Kaufman, a director with a unique and eclectic body of work. From giving Indiana Jones his first adventure to inspiring the NC-17 rating, Kaufman's career has been anything but ordinary. LAFCA President Robert Abele sums it up perfectly: "Intrepid doesn't even begin to describe him."
And this is the part most people miss... LAFCA was founded in 1975 with a mission to champion bold and uncompromising filmmaking. They've consistently broadened the industry's understanding of what makes a great film.
The winners will be celebrated alongside Kaufman at the Biltmore Hotel on January 10, 2026. Here's a sneak peek at some of the announced winners and runners-up:
Best Picture:
Runner-up:
Best Director:
Runner-up:
Leading Performances:
Runners-up:
Supporting Performances:
Runners-up:
Best Screenplay:
Runner-up:
Best Animation: Little Amélie or the Character of Rain
Runner-up: KPop Demon Hunters
Best Cinematography: Adolpho Veloso, Train Dreams
Runner-up: Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Sinners
Best Film Editing: Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme
Runner-up: Andy Jurgensen, One Battle After Another
Best Production Design: Hannah Beachler, Sinners
Runner-up: Tamara Deverell, Frankenstein
Best Music Score: Kangding Ray, Sirāt
Runner-up: Ludwig Göransson, Sinners
Best Foreign Language Film:
Runner-up:
Best Documentary/Non-Fiction Film:
Runner-up:
New Generation Award:
Douglas Edwards Experimental Film Prize: Albert Serra, Afternoons of Solitude; Special Award: Thom Anderson
Career Achievement Award: Philip Kaufman
Special Citation:
Stay tuned for more updates as the winners are announced live!
Author's Note:
Erik Anderson, the founder of AwardsWatch, has dedicated his career to celebrating the art of filmmaking and the awards season. With a background in film school and a passion for all things Oscar, he's created a platform that amplifies diverse voices in film criticism.
What do you think of LAFCA's choices so far? Do you agree with their picks, or do you have your own favorites? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
