Gotham nominations favor indie films

Five films have emerged as the clear front-runners for the 36th Gotham Film Awards, each securing four nominations. The Gotham Film & Media Institute announced the list on Monday, which includes 42 feature films and 25 individual performances across 11 award categories. The top contenders are "All of a Sudden," "Clarissa," "La Gradiva," "The Invite," and "Tender Loving Care."

The institute has used the Gotham Awards to spotlight emerging talent and independent work for more than three decades. This year's slate reflects that long-standing mission, with many nominees attached to distributors such as A24, NEON, MUBI, and 1-2 Special. The announcements were made by Jeffrey Sharp, the executive director of the Gotham Film & Media Institute.

Sharp noted that the industry has seen a surge in theatrical attendance for distinctive work. He described the current year as remarkable for film, citing bold projects from both first-time filmmakers and established artists. "It’s a pleasure to announce this year’s nominees," Sharp said. "This year’s nominations, alongside our Tributes and the return of the Audience Award, reflect that abundance and celebrate the creative community that has been at the heart of The Gothams for more than three decades."

The best feature category includes 11 titles. "Clarissa," directed by Arie Esiri and Chuko Esiri, and "The Invite," directed by Olivia Wilde, joined the four-nomination leaders. Other nominees for best feature are "Club Kid," "The Debut," "Dreams in Nightmares," "Josephine," "Mouse," "Paper Tiger," "Primetime," "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma," and "Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother."

In the best international feature category, "All of a Sudden" and "La Gradiva" are among the nominees. "Tender Loving Care," directed by Mike Leigh, also received a nod in this category. Other films on the international list include "Ben’Imana," "Blue Heron," "Everytime," "Fatherland," "Filipiñana," "Minotaur," and "Possible Love."

The best documentary feature category features five films. "Closure," "A Fox Under a Pink Moon," "NAZA," "Once Upon a Time in Harlem," and "You Can See Everything" are the nominees. "You Can See Everything" is directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim. The film is also a nominee for the new Gotham Audience Award.

Directing nominations include Ryusuke Hamaguchi for "All of a Sudden" and Mike Leigh for "Tender Loving Care." The breakthrough director category recognizes five filmmakers. These include Sophy Romvari for "Blue Heron" and Jordan Firstman for "Club Kid." The category also honors Aleshea Harris, Marine Atlan, Joel Alfonso Vargas, and John Early.

Writing awards are split between original and adapted screenplays. Sandra Wollner is nominated for the original screenplay of "Everytime." Mike Leigh is nominated for the original screenplay of "Tender Loving Care." The adapted screenplay category includes Ryusuke Hamaguchi for "All of a Sudden" and Rashida Jones and Will McCormack for "The Invite."

Performance nominations span lead, supporting, and breakthrough roles. Mahershala Ali is nominated for his lead performance in "Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother." Penélope Cruz and Adam Driver are among the supporting nominees. The breakthrough performer category includes Adia from "Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother" and India Amarteifio from "Clarissa."

The Gotham Audience Award returns this year with eight nominees. The list includes "Backrooms," "La Bola Negra," "The Drama," "The Invite," "Michael," "Obsession," "Project Hail Mary," and "You Can See Everything." Winners will be determined by audience votes at upcoming screenings.