Frankenstein and KPop Demon Hunters join Sinners as multiple award recipients
Jan. 26, 2026— The North Carolina Film Critics Association (NCFCA) announces the winners of its 14th Annual Best in Cinema Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in film across performance, direction, storytelling, and technical craft.
Taking the lead this year is Sinners, which earned 10 NCFCA awards, tying the all-time record previously set by Oppenheimer (2023). The film’s recognition spans major categories including narrative film, director, acting, and multiple technical honors — reflecting broad admiration for its unified vision, performances, and craftsmanship.
Additional multi-award winners include Frankenstein, which received four honors across supporting actor, costume design, hair and makeup, and production design, and KPop Demon Hunters, which earned three awards including animated film, voice talent, and original song.
“This year’s honors reflect both age-old voices and emerging storytellers,” said Noel T. Manning II, president of the North Carolina Film Critics Association. “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.”
Major Awards Highlights
- Best Narrative Film: Sinners
- Best Director: Ryan Coogler, Sinners
- Best Acting Ensemble: Sinners
- Best Actor in a Leading Role: Michael B. Jordan, Sinners
- Best Actress in a Leading Role: Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
- 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
The NCFCA also recognized excellence across the craft categories, with Sinners earning honors for cinematography, editing, sound design, original score, and original screenplay — underscoring the film’s impact across both creative leadership and technical execution.
Special Honors
The NCFCA also presented several special recognitions:
- Lifetime Achievement Award for Costume Design: Ruth E. Carter, honoring her enduring influence and artistry in cinematic costume design.
- Ken Hanke Memorial Tar Heel Award: Roofman, recognizing its deep connection to North Carolina through location production and storytelling.
- President’s Discretionary Honor for Best in Fur Award: 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. *non-voting category
NCFCA Best in Cinema Honors — 2025 Winners
Best Narrative Film
Sinners
Best Documentary Film
The Perfect Neighbor
Best Animated Film
KPop Demon Hunters
Best Foreign Language Film
It Was Just an Accident (tie)
Sentimental Value (tie)
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,” 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 (Costume Design)
Ruth E. Carter
Ken Hanke Memorial Tar Heel Award
Roofman
Best in Fur Award (President’s Discretionary Honor)
Indy, Good Boy
About the NCFCA
From the mountains to the coast, the North Carolina Film Critics Association (NCFCA) represents more than 60 critics, journalists, and scholars dedicated to the analysis, review, and celebration of cinema as an art form. Founded by Ken Morefield to amplify diverse cinematic voices, the NCFCA promotes artistic recognition throughout the year and through its annual awards. Members provide coverage of film across broadcast, print, and digital platforms.
For more information, past winners, and full membership details, visit ncfilmcritics.org.
