The 2025 Gotham Awards delivered a series of memorable highlights, some of which were quite surprising.
Held on Monday, December 1, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, the event celebrated notable films such as Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly, and Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another.
Among the night’s recipients were Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson from Song Sung Blue, who were honored with the first-ever Gotham Musical Tribute. The cast of Sinners received the Ensemble Tribute for their horror film, while Jeremy Allen White and Scott Cooper from Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere were awarded the Cultural Icon Tribute.
Below is a roundup of the standout moments from the ceremony:
Highlight: Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster’s Red Carpet Appearance
Hugh Jackman, 57, and Sutton Foster, 50, appeared together on the red carpet. Jackman wore a classic black suit, while Foster dazzled in a black sequin gown with emerald earrings. The couple, together since last year, made their debut at the Song Sung Blue premiere in October.
Lowlight: Adam Sandler’s Lengthy Introduction
Adam Sandler, 59, took an extended time introducing Noah Baumbach, 56, for the Film Tribute Award. Sandler, who stars with George Clooney in Jay Kelly, went off-script during his introduction, causing some discomfort for co-presenter Emily Mortimer, 54.
Highlight: Guillermo del Toro’s Passionate Speech
During his acceptance of the Vanguard Tribute, Guillermo del Toro continued his speech despite producers’ attempts to move on. He praised the team of Frankenstein and voiced his opposition to AI, stating, “The artistry of all shines on every frame of this film made by humans, for humans.”
Lowlight: Jafar Panahi’s Legal Troubles
Jafar Panahi, 65, won multiple awards for It Was Just an Accident, but his achievements were overshadowed by news of his one-year prison sentence and travel ban in Iran.
Highlight: Elle Fanning and Kristen Stewart’s Banter
Elle Fanning, 27, and Kristen Stewart, 35, shared a charming exchange while presenting an award, noting their shared birthday and family connections.
Lowlight: Absence of Applause
The broadcast seemed to lack audience applause, creating an awkward atmosphere for viewers at home.
Highlight: Paul Thomas Anderson’s Tribute
Accepting Best Picture for One Battle After Another, Paul Thomas Anderson, 55, expressed gratitude to his wife, Maya Rudolph, 53, marking their anniversary with a heartfelt message.
The 35th Annual Gotham Film Awards featured several A-list couples, adding glamour to the event as fans eagerly anticipated the winners.
Highlight: Relatable Moments
During the Cultural Icon Tribute, Jeremy Allen White, 34, stumbled over his words, sharing a lighthearted moment with director Scott Cooper. Similarly, filmmaker Ryan Coogler admitted to feeling nervous while accepting an award for Sinners, proving that even stars have relatable moments.
