In 1991, the Independent Feature Project (IFP) (now The Gotham Film & Media Institute, or simply “The Gotham”) created The Gotham Awards to honor independent American films, particularly those from the Northeastern United States.
Today, these annual awards have evolved to recognize a broader range of independent film and media, and, as of 2024, have also added separate television awards. This celebration of independent films and filmmakers is one of the first major film awards ceremonies of the awards season, and is often viewed as a key indicator for independent films heading into the Oscars.
➡️Best Feature
➡️Best Director - Mary Bronstein
➡️Best Original Screenplay - Mary Bronstein
➡️Outstanding Lead Performance - Rose Byrne
➡️Best Feature
➡️Best Original Screenplay - Eva Victor
➡️Best Feature
➡️Best Feature
🏆 Best Feature
🏆 Outstanding Lead Performance - Colman Domingo
🏆 Outstanding Supporting Performance - Clarence Maclin
🏆 Best Feature
🏆 Outstanding Performance in a New Series - Ali Wong
🏆 Breakthrough Series - Under 40 Minutes
🏆 Outstanding Supporting Performance - Charles Melton
🏆 Breakthrough Director - A.V. Rockwell
🏆 Outstanding Supporting Performance - Troy Kotsur
🏆 Breakthrough Performer - Emilia Jones
🏆 Best Feature
🏆 Gotham Audience Award
🏆 Best Actor - Riz Ahmed
🏆 Breakthrough Actor - Kingsley Ben-Adir
Check out all of our Gotham Awards 2019 client project nominees!
🏆 Breakthrough Actor - Elsie Fisher
🏆 Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director - Bo Burnham
🏆 Best Screenplay - Paul Schrader
🏆 Best Actor - Ethan Hawke
Check out all of our Gotham Awards 2017 client project nominees!
The Gotham Awards ceremony typically takes place in late November in New York City on the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, The Gotham Awards will take place on December 1st at Cipriani Wall Street in Manhattan. Their early place in the awards calendar means The Gotham Film Awards build momentum for the awards season to come.
Gotham Awards focus on independent films that are made by American filmmakers or feature strong American creative involvement. International feature and documentary categories also exist.
A win or nomination at the Gotham Awards can boost a film's visibility, attract further distribution, and is often seen as an important precursor for other awards such as the Independent Spirit Awards and sometimes even the Academy Awards. These awards often help emerging directors, writers, and actors gain industry recognition.
Major Gotham Awards categories include Best Feature, Best Documentary, Best International Feature, Best Screenplay, Outstanding Lead Performance, and Breakthrough Director (named the Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director Award). Honorees include directors, writers, producers, and actors.
The Gotham Awards are specifically focused on independent film, as opposed to mainstream studio releases that dominate the Oscars and Golden Globes. They also often have fewer categories, and include unique awards like the “Breakthrough Performer.”
Check back here for the latest updates on awards season as Gotham Awards nominees and GreenSlate client projects continue to make headlines.
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