The 9th Annual Astra Film Awards turned into a night of triumph for Ryan Coogler and Warner Bros., as the studio’s supernatural drama Sinners swept the competition with six wins, including the coveted Best Motion Picture – Drama. The event, held Friday evening, celebrated the year’s finest achievements in cinema, with Warner Bros. emerging as the dominant force, collecting a total of 11 trophies across multiple categories.
Sinners proved unstoppable, winning Best Director for Coogler and Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan. The film also took home honors for Best Cast Ensemble, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Original Score by Ludwig Göransson. The ensemble’s performance and Coogler’s gripping storytelling contributed to the film’s commanding presence throughout the ceremony.
Warner Bros.’ success extended beyond Sinners. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another claimed Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical and Best Adapted Screenplay, while James Gunn’s Superman won Best Action or Science Fiction Feature. Zach Cregger’s horror thriller Weapons secured Best Horror Feature, alongside Amy Madigan’s win for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama.
Netflix also made a strong showing, led by its animated blockbuster KPop Demon Hunters. The film earned three awards: Best Animated Feature, Best Original Song for “Golden,” and Best Voice-Over Performance for Arden Cho. Other Netflix victories included Adam Sandler’s Best Supporting Actor (Comedy/Musical) award for Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly, and Best Documentary for The Perfect Neighbor.
The acting categories delivered headline-worthy results. In the comedy/musical divisions, Timothée Chalamet won Best Actor for Marty Supreme, while Amanda Seyfried claimed Best Actress for The Testament of Ann Lee. Ariana Grande triumphed as Best Supporting Actress for her role in Wicked: For Good. In the dramatic categories, Jessie Buckley took Best Actress for Hamnet, and Stellan Skarsgård won Best Supporting Actor for Neon’s Sentimental Value, which also secured Best International Feature.
The night’s genre awards recognized standout performances and productions. Weapons reigned in horror, while Superman impressed in the action and sci-fi category. The unique Best Performance in a Horror or Thriller Feature award went to Indy the Dog for Good Boy, adding a whimsical touch to the evening.
Documentary Feature – A Showcase of Truth and Storytelling
This year’s documentary category offered a powerful mix of investigative journalism, personal narratives, and cultural reflections. Noteworthy contenders included Cover Up (Netflix), the emotionally charged It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley (Magnolia), and HBO Max’s intimate My Mom Jayne. Orwell: 2+2=5 (Neon) examined political ideas through a modern lens, while Zodiac Killer Project (Music Box Films) revisited one of the most infamous unsolved cases in history.
Winner: The Perfect Neighbor (Netflix) stood out above them all, blending suspense with compelling human drama to deliver an unforgettable viewing experience.
International Feature – Stories Without Borders
Global cinema took center stage in this category, with narratives that transcended cultural boundaries. Amazon MGM’s Belén brought a poignant human story to life, while Neon delivered a series of strong entries including It Was Just an Accident, No Other Choice, Sirât, and The Secret Agent.
Winner: Sentimental Value (Neon) captured audiences with its emotional depth and universal themes, securing its place as the standout international offering of the year.
Independent Feature – Creativity Unbound
The indie film category celebrated originality and risk-taking. Highlights included Bob Trevino Likes It (Roadside), the haunting Die My Love (Mubi), and A24’s intimate Sorry, Baby. The Chronology of Water (The Forge) impressed with poetic storytelling, while Urchin (1-2 Special) offered a unique cinematic voice.
Winner: Twinless (Roadside) earned the top spot with its raw emotion and unconventional narrative structure.
First Feature – Remarkable Debuts
Emerging filmmakers made a strong impression this year. Bob Trevino Likes It (Roadside) and Eleanor the Great (Sony Pictures Classics) demonstrated seasoned craftsmanship from newcomers, while IFC Films’ Good Boy explored moral complexity.
Winner: Sorry, Baby (A24) resonated deeply with audiences, proving that debut films can be as impactful as any seasoned director’s work. The Chronology of Water (The Forge) also earned praise for its distinctive voice.
Original Score – Music That Shapes the Story
This category celebrated composers whose work elevated the films they accompanied. Alexandre Desplat’s Frankenstein delivered a sweeping, gothic soundscape, while Hildur Guðnadóttir’s Hedda offered haunting minimalism. Jonny Greenwood’s One Battle After Another brought intensity, Max Richter’s Hamnet infused lyrical beauty, and Nicholas Britell’s Jay Kelly showcased his trademark sophistication.
Winner: Ludwig Göransson’s score for Sinners stood apart, weaving tension and emotion into a musical tapestry that lingered long after the credits rolled.
Original Song – Melodies That Stay With You
From heartfelt ballads to high-energy anthems, this year’s music nominees were as diverse as the films themselves. Daniel Blumberg’s Clothed by the Sun from The Testament of Ann Lee offered quiet introspection, while Stephen Schwartz contributed two memorable pieces to Wicked: For Good — The Girl in the Bubble and No Place Like Home. Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Göransson teamed up for I Lied to You (Sinners), Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner collaborated on Train Dreams, and the winning entry, Golden from KPop Demon Hunters, brought together Ejae, Mark Sonnenblick, Ido, 24, and Teddy for an explosive, genre-blending track that became an instant fan favorite.
Young Performer – Rising Stars to Watch
Fresh talent shone brightly this year. Aidan Delbis impressed in Bugonia (Focus Features), while Ana Sophia Heger delivered a nuanced performance in She Rides Shotgun (Lionsgate). Madeleine McGraw brought intensity to Black Phone 2 (Universal Pictures), and Marissa Bode showcased her versatility in Wicked: For Good. Shannon Mahina Gorman added charm to Rental Family (Searchlight).
Winner: Jacobi Jupe claimed the honor for his role in Hamnet (Focus Features), a performance that combined emotional sensitivity with remarkable screen presence.
With Warner Bros. leading the pack and Netflix holding its own, the 2026 Astra Film Awards showcased a diverse mix of creativity, star power, and cinematic excellence. From sweeping epics like Sinners to animated hits like KPop Demon Hunters, this year’s winners reflect a vibrant and competitive film industry ready to captivate audiences worldwide.
