Gotham Awards 2024: “A Different Man” Triumphs as Best Feature
The 2024 Gotham Awards, held at Cipriani Wall Street in New York, celebrated the best of independent cinema, awarding "A Different Man" the coveted Best Feature honor. Directed by Aaron Schimberg, the film stood out among nominees such as Sean Baker’s "Anora," Luca Guadagnino's "Challengers," and RaMell Ross's "Nickel Boys."
Accepting the top award, Schimberg admitted he had not prepared a speech, considering it "hubris" to expect a win. He praised the Gothams and the cast, including Sebastian Stan and Adam Pearson, saying, “I’m sorry I didn’t prepare a better speech. I really didn’t see this as a possibility.”
RaMell Ross’s "Nickel Boys" took home Best Director and Breakthrough Performer for Brandon Wilson, marking a significant recognition for the adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s acclaimed novel. Meanwhile, "Sing Sing," starring Colman Domingo, earned both Outstanding Lead Performance (Domingo) and Supporting Performance (Clarence Maclin). Domingo's acceptance emphasized equitable wages and collaborative filmmaking.
“This was made with the independent spirit that guided every step,” Domingo noted, adding that all contributors received the same wage and equity. "When the film succeeds, we all succeed."
Despite leading the nominations with four, Sean Baker's Palme d’Or-winning "Anora" left without a win. Similarly, other notable contenders like "I Saw the TV Glow" and "Babygirl" failed to convert their nominations into awards.
The event also honored several icons and achievements. Angelina Jolie received the Performer Tribute for "Maria," presented by director Pablo Larraín. She reflected on the power of art, saying, “Art is how we come together, laugh together, and understand each other.” Zendaya, lauded for her role in "Challengers," delivered a heartfelt acknowledgment to her collaborators, emphasizing the importance of the theatrical experience.
Denis Villeneuve, awarded the Director Tribute for "Dune: Part Two," was celebrated for his visionary storytelling by Zendaya and Jake Gyllenhaal. Gyllenhaal described Villeneuve as a “brilliant, Canadian unicorn” with an “optimistic outlook not afraid of the dark.”
Since 2021, the Gotham Awards have employed gender-neutral categories, a continued effort to champion inclusivity. This year’s ceremony further highlighted progressive filmmaking, as Domingo advocated for equitable practices in the indie industry.
Complete List of 2024 Gotham Awards Winners
Best Feature
- "A Different Man" / Aaron Schimberg / A24
Best International Feature
- "All We Imagine as Light" / Payal Kapadia / Sideshow and Janus Films
Best Documentary Feature
- "No Other Land" / Yuval Abraham, Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Rachel Szor / Antipode Films
Best Director
- RaMell Ross / "Nickel Boys" / Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios
Best Screenplay
- "His Three Daughters" / Azazel Jacobs / Netflix
Breakthrough Director
- Vera Drew / "The People's Joker" / Altered Innocence
Outstanding Lead Performance
- Colman Domingo / "Sing Sing" / A24
Outstanding Supporting Performance
- Clarence Maclin / "Sing Sing" / A24
Breakthrough Performer
- Brandon Wilson / "Nickel Boys" / Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios
Tributes
- Ensemble Tribute: "The Piano Lesson"
- Anniversary Tribute: Franklin Leonard and the Black List
- Performer Tribute: Angelina Jolie / "Maria"
- Spotlight Tribute: Zendaya / "Challengers"
- Social Justice Tribute: "Sing Sing"
- Director Tribute: Denis Villeneuve / "Dune: Part Two"
- Visionary Tribute: Timothée Chalamet and James Mangold / "A Complete Unknown"