As we approach the end of the year, the excitement of awards season is palpable. While the biggest nominations, like the Golden Globes and Oscars, are still a few weeks away, several major organizations have already revealed their nominees, and here at io9, we couldn’t be more thrilled. This year, unlike most, we have at least four or five genre films making the cut, and television is shining just as brightly.
The American Film Institute has revealed their list of top ten American productions, and it’s noteworthy that five sci-fi films have been acknowledged as the best of 2025. These titles—Avatar: Fire and Ash, Bugonia, Frankenstein, Sinners, and Wicked For Good—have captured our attention, and we largely agree with their selections. Stay tuned, as io9 will announce its picks shortly.
On Friday, the Critics’ Choice Association unveiled its nominees, and while Avatar missed the list, the other four genre films were honored. Notably, Sinners garnered an impressive 17 nominations, followed by Frankenstein with 11, Wicked For Good with 7, and Bugonia with 3. These nominations place these films in a strong position as awards season progresses. And let’s not overlook animation, with titles like KPop Demon Hunters and Zootopia 2 in the conversation.
When we pivot to television, the Critics’ Choice nominees for Best Drama show an impressive representation of sci-fi series. Among them are Alien: Earth, Andor, Paradise, Pluribus, and Severance. We can’t help but feel that this lineup is commendable. However, while Alien: Earth received just one nomination, Andor, Paradise, and Pluribus had just one additional nomination each—for actors Diego Luna, Sterling K. Brown, and Rhea Seehorn, respectively. Severance did fare better, with three additional acting nominations for Adam Scott, Britt Lower, and Tramell Tillman.
It’s also noteworthy that AFI included three of these series—Andor, Pluribus, and Severance—in its top ten. While it may not feel groundbreaking, it’s still recognition worth celebrating.
As nominations continue to trickle in over the coming months, certain favorites are bound to rise to the surface. While it’s uncertain if any of these movies or shows will ultimately win, it’s wonderful to witness the recognition of genre storytelling in a world that celebrates diverse narratives, from vampire tales to space adventures.
What sci-fi movies are nominated for awards this year? This year, significant nominations include Sinners, Frankenstein, Bugonia, and Wicked For Good, showcasing a strong presence of genre films.
Are there any animated films to watch for this awards season? Absolutely! Titles like KPop Demon Hunters and Zootopia 2 are generating buzz among animated features.
How is sci-fi represented in television awards this year? Sci-fi nominees dominate the Critics’ Choice Best Drama category, with titles like Alien: Earth and Andor making a significant impact.
Will these genre films win any prestigious awards? While it’s hard to say, the strong nominations certainly indicate a promising awards season for these films.
Excited for updates on Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases? Make sure to stay tuned for the latest news about the future of the DC Universe and everything you need to know about Doctor Who.
For more engaging content and insightful discussions, explore what we have to offer at Moyens I/O.