LONDON,February 26,2026 – Paul Thomas anderson’s darkly comedic thriller,One Battle After Another,dominated the 46th annual London Critics’ Circle Film Awards,taking home four prizes including the coveted Film of the Year award. the film’s success signals a major win for Anderson and its cast, setting the stage for continued awards season buzz.
Anderson’s Triumph: A Night of Four Wins
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The UK’s leading film critics celebrated anderson’s latest work with top honors, recognizing his skill as a director and screenwriter.
- One Battle After Another was named Film of the Year.
- Paul Thomas Anderson won Director of the Year and Screenwriter of the year.
- Sean Penn received the Supporting Actor of the Year award for his performance in the film.
- Jessie Buckley and Timothée Chalamet were recognized for their leading roles in other acclaimed films.
The awards, held at London’s May Fair Hotel and hosted by Circle member Mark Kermode, highlighted the best in cinematic achievement. Anderson’s win for Director of the Year and Screenwriter of the Year further cemented his status as a visionary filmmaker. Sean Penn’s performance in One Battle After another also garnered critical acclaim, earning him the Supporting Actor of the Year prize.
Buckley and Chalamet Shine in Leading Roles
While Anderson’s film swept the top awards, other actors were also celebrated for their exceptional work. Jessie Buckley was awarded Actress of the Year for her role in Chloé Zhao’s Shakespearean drama, Hamnet, while Timothée Chalamet took home the Actor of the Year award for his performance in Josh Safdie’s riotous sports film, Marty Supreme.
What makes a film truly stand out to critics? According to Jane Crowther, chair of the Critics’ Circle Film section, the winners demonstrate “the passion of our voting membership for fresh intriguing stories, committed performances and exemplary craft.”
British and Irish Talent Recognized
The awards also shone a spotlight on emerging and established British and Irish talent. Harry Lighton’s queer biker drama, Pillion, won two awards: British/Irish Film of the Year and Breakthrough British/Irish Filmmaker. Josh O’Connor was awarded British/Irish Performer of the Year for his roles in The Mastermind, The History of Sound, and Wake Up Dead Man, while Alfie Williams was named Young British/Irish Performer of the Year for 28 Years Later. Duncan Cowles’ short film, Neil Armstrong and the Langholmites, took home the British/Irish Short Film of the Year award.
Further accolades were given to Guillermo del Toro, who received the Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film, and Cynthia Erivo, honored with the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation. Ludwig Göransson’s music for Sinners was also recognized with a Technical Achievement Award.
- British/Irish Film of the Year: Pillion
- British/Irish Performer of the Year: Josh O’Connor – The Mastermind/The History of Sound/Wake Up dead Man
- Breakthrough British/Irish Filmmaker: Harry Lighton – Pillion
- Young British/Irish Performer of the Year: Alfie Williams – 28 Years Later
- Technical Achievement Award: Sinners – Music, Ludwig Göransson
- British/Irish Short Film of the Year: Neil Armstrong and the Langholmites – Directed by Duncan Cowles
- Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film: Guillermo del Toro
- Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation: Cynthia Erivo
