Gotham Awards 2025: Behind-the-Scenes Highlights and Low Lights

The Gotham Awards 2025 brought a wealth of memorable moments — including a few that left us speechless.

This ceremony, sponsored by FIJI Water, occurred on Monday, December 1, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, recognizing some of the year’s most discussed films, such as Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly, and Paul Thomas Anderson‘s One Battle After Another.

Honorees from the night included Song Sung Blue’s Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, who received the inaugural Gotham Musical Tribute, the cast of Sinners, who earned the Ensemble Tribute for their hit horror film, and Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere’s Jeremy Allen White and Scott Cooper, awarded the Cultural Icon Tribute.

Us Weekly has compiled a list of the best and worst moments from the event, highlighting what you might have missed:

Best: Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster Show Affection

Jackman, 57, and Foster, 50, snuggled together on the red carpet at the event. Dapper in a classic black suit, Jackman was accompanied by Foster, who radiated in a strappy black sequin gown complemented by stunning emerald drop earrings. The couple officially debuted their relationship at Song Sung Blue’s Los Angeles premiere in October.

But the affection didn’t end there. Inside the venue, they were captured in exclusive footage by Us Weekly, smiling and engaged in conversation. Jackman affectionately rubbed Foster’s arm, eventually taking her hand while mingling among fellow guests, who were visibly enjoying their moment.

Worst: Adam Sandler’s Awkward Introduction for Noah Baumbach

As Us reports, Sandler, 59, took an unusually long time to introduce Baumbach, 56, who was receiving the Film Tribute Award. Joined by fellow presenter Emily Mortimer, he went off-script, making comments like, “Can I get a f***in hell yeah from everybody! That was some good s*** Emily said, let’s go!”

Meanwhile, Mortimer, 54, appeared visibly uncomfortable amid Sandler’s seemingly unpredictable remarks.

Best: Guillermo del Toro’s Passionate Acceptance Speech

The Frankenstein director defied producers’ cues to leave the stage while accepting the Vanguard Tribute alongside Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, expressing his views on AI. He praised the cast and crew of Frankenstein and emphatically stated, “The artistry of all of them shines on every single frame of this film that was willfully made by humans, for humans.”

Del Toro further proclaimed, “It belongs to all of them, and I would like to extend our gratitude and say, ‘F*** AI.’”

Worst: Jafar Panahi’s Sentence

Although Panahi, 65, took home awards for Best International Feature, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay for his film It Was Just an Accident, his achievements were overshadowed by concerning news. On the same day, the Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that the Iranian filmmaker had been sentenced to a year in prison alongside a two-year travel ban for alleged propaganda against Iran.

Best: Elle Fanning and Kristen Stewart’s Playful Banter

Fanning, 27, enjoyed a delightful exchange with Stewart, 35, prior to presenting the award for Outstanding Lead Performance to Sopé Dìrísù for My Father’s Shadow.

“We share the same birthday: April 9th!” Elle remarked, to which Stewart added, “Her big sister, Dakota Fanning, is my best friend.”

“And finally, I’m cool enough to hang out with you,” Elle replied with a smile.

Earlier that evening, Elle had a heartfelt reunion with her Sentimental Value co-star Stellan Skarsgård on the red carpet. In exclusive footage obtained by Us, they shared a warm hug before interacting with the press.

Stewart was also spotted in an engaging conversation with Naomi Watts once inside the venue, appearing to be in high spirits.

Worst: Lack of Applause

For viewers at home, it seemed that either the audio was muted, or no one was cheering for the award winners, rendering each category somewhat awkward rather than festive.

However, footage obtained by Us showed a different reality inside the venue, where the audience was indeed applauding following speeches. Notably, Jackman and Hudson received enthusiastic applause as they accepted the Musical Tribute award for Song Sung Blue.

Best: Paul Thomas Anderson’s Tribute to Maya Rudolph

Upon accepting the Best Picture award for One Battle After Another, writer-director Anderson, 55, expressed heartfelt sentiments about his wife, Rudolph, 53, stating, “December 1, 24 years ago, I met a lady who made me a better filmmaker: Happy Anniversary, Maya. Thank you.” Cue the “aww” atmosphere.

Best: Relatable Icons

While accepting the Cultural Icon Tribute alongside his Deliver Me From Nowhere director, Scott Cooper, White, 34, stumbled over his words.

“We’re very grateful that Bruce [Springsteen] allowed us into [his] space. To tell a story he had never told himself and never mythologized,” the actor said, momentarily struggling to pronounce mythologized. “Sorry, folks, I’m tired!” Allen confessed with a laugh before passing the speech to Cooper.

Ryan Coogler, representing Sinners, also admitted to feeling nervous while taking the stage. Stars, they’re just like Us!

Best: A Supportive Queen

When Wunmi Mosaku claimed the award for Outstanding Supporting Performance for her role in Sinners, fellow nominee Teyana Taylor leaped to her feet to give a standing ovation. In footage captured by Us, Taylor was seen exuberantly applauding as the audience celebrated Mosaku.