AP's Alternative Oscars: Celebrating 2025's Best Cat, Prop, and More
Awards season often narrows the cinematic year to a few heavily discussed films, but the true gems of 2025 lie beyond the usual Oscar categories. Ahead of Sunday's ceremony, Associated Press Film Writers Lindsey Bahr and Jake Coyle have crafted their own unique awards to honour the year's most memorable moments, proving that celebrating the best cat or funniest prop is just as vital as recognising top performances.
Most Pure Display of Movie-Star Charisma: Keke Palmer, 'One of Them Days'
Keke Palmer delivers a sensational performance in One of Them Days, a comedy set across a desperate day in Los Angeles. While theatrical studio comedies are rare, Palmer's dynamism reminds audiences of what they've been missing, building on her strong work in films like Jordan Peele's Nope.
Best Cat: 'Sorry, Baby'
In Sorry, Baby, the tiny gray tabby Olga, played by Noochie, provides cuddles, coffee, and smiles for Agnes and viewers alike. Eva Victor's reassurance that nothing bad happens to the cat highlights society's concern, but Olga's role is purely heartwarming.
Most Ecstatic Religious Ceremony: 'The Testament of Ann Lee'
Mona Fastvold's drama features Shaker founder Ann Lee, portrayed by Amanda Seyfried, with ritual dances that are gloriously earthy. Set to rearranged Shaker hymns by Daniel Blumberg, these secret gatherings showcase bodies swaying and shaking in spiritual communion, outshining even energetic dance films.
Funniest Prop: The Goldfish in 'Splitsville'
In the broad comedy Splitsville, goldfish become central to one of the year's funniest scenes. When a kids' bedroom is torn apart during a fight, a character's ill-advised decision to ride a roller coaster with water-filled bags of fake goldfish results in a silly, dumb, and brilliantly executed sequence.
Best Opening: 'On Becoming a Guinea Fowl'
Rungano Nyoni's film opens with Shula, played by Susan Chardy, driving down a Zambian road dressed as Missy Elliott. Upon discovering her uncle's body, the movie delves into a dark family past, offering a beguiling start that sets the tone for the gripping drama ahead.
Best Use of a Star, as a Star: Gwyneth Paltrow in 'Marty Supreme'
Gwyneth Paltrow shines as a silent-era star in her 50s in Marty Supreme. Her luminous presence and withering wisdom counter the protagonist's delusions, making her a perfect example of a movie star used effectively, and fans hope for more significant roles from her soon.
Best Location Find: 'One Battle After Another'
Paul Thomas Anderson's film features a roller-coaster car-chase finale that gives viewers goosebumps, thanks in part to the 'River of Hills' road near Borrego Springs, California. Discovered by location manager Michael Glaser, this spot adds to the scene's timeless appeal.
Most Devastating Costume: Nina Hoss in 'Hedda'
In Nia DaCosta's Hedda, Nina Hoss's character Eileen Lovborg wears a bust-hugging gown that tells a heartbreaking story. As a queer academic in a male-dominated world, her triumphant return is undermined when the costume is cruelly manipulated, showcasing Lindsay Pugh's brilliant design.
Best Psychedelic Experience: Tim Robinson in 'Friendship'
Andrew DeYoung's Friendship subverts expectations with a hysterically mundane hallucinatory trip. When Tim Robinson's character licks an exotic frog, instead of a wild experience, he encounters something involving the Subway sandwich franchise, offering a unique comedic twist.
Best Performance by a Child: Lexi Venter in 'Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight'
In Embeth Davidtz's directorial debut, 7-year-old Lexi Venter delivers a magical performance as Bobo. Davidtz's approach of creating scenarios where Venter didn't have to act resulted in a natural and compelling portrayal that stands out.
Best Elevator Pitch: 'No Other Choice'
Park Chan-wook's thriller, based on Donald E. Westlake's novel The Ax, presents a gripping concept: a laid-off man decides to eliminate his job competitors to save his family. This elegant derangement makes for a perfect movie premise that captivates from the start.
Most Beautifully Tone-Shifting Scene: Bridget Everett and Josh O'Connor in 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery'
In Rian Johnson's mystery, a clue chase takes an empathetic turn when Josh O'Connor's character speaks with Louise, played by Bridget Everett. Their conversation about her mother in hospice shifts the film from murder mystery to a deeply human moment, highlighting the story's emotional depth.
