‘Sing Sing,’ ‘Nickel Boys’ Win Big at Gotham Awards

Hannah Malach
·2-min read

Awards season officially began on Monday evening with the 34th annual Gotham Awards, held at Cipriani Wall Street in Manhattan. A-listers including Jessica Chastain, Demi Moore and Nicole Kidman gathered to celebrate independent film, with A24’s “Sing Sing” sweeping both major acting categories and “Nickel Boys” taking home two top honors, including Breakthrough Performer for Brandon Wilson.

“I think when we have smaller budgets, often it gives you greater creativity,” Moore told WWD. “I think it’s essential, especially for giving young, creative filmmakers a chance.”

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Stars filtered into the domed-ceiling ballroom just around 7 p.m., when the cameras began to roll. This year marked the first broadcasted Gotham Awards, while the category of Best Director was introduced.

Zendaya, who would be presented with the Spotlight Tribute for her role in “Challengers,” weaved between tables just as the ceremony began, flanked by her assistant-slash-best friend, Darnell Appling, who scored his first acting role in the tennis love-triangle flick.

Honorary awards were also given to Angelina Jolie and Timothée Chalamet, recognized for their performances in musical biopics “Maria” and “A Complete Unknown,” respectively.

Many of this year’s nominees seemed to represent a shift in Hollywood, with queer films — “I Saw the TV Glow,” “Love Lies Bleeding,” “My Old Ass” — and those examining the lives of women over 50 — “The Substance,” “The Last Showgirl” and “Babygirl” — receiving some of their first award nominations of the season.

“It just felt very validating to know that people care about what I’m doing, especially for a film that means so much to the intended audience,” said Justice Smith of “I Saw the TV Glow,” who was nominated for Outstanding Lead Performance alongside Kidman, Moore and Pamela Anderson.

“The fact that we’re noticing how many queer films are on the slate is a sign that we still have a ways to go,” he added. “Because it’s still considered novelty.”

Gia Coppola’s “The Last Showgirl” stars Anderson as Shelly, a Las Vegas performer who plans her future after the closure of her revue. The film is widely regarded as Anderson’s comeback and mirrors her underestimation within the industry.

“Seeing women being aged out as they’re trying to forge their work is a real thing,” Coppola said. “It’s everything I could have dreamed for for Pamela. I feel like she’s had a long journey and this is what she deserves.”

Launch Gallery: Zendaya, Angelina Jolie and More at Gotham Awards 2024, Live Updates: All the Looks From the Red Carpet [PHOTOS]

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