About our Awards
The Seattle Film Critics Society (SFCS) includes film critics in Seattle and surrounding areas of Washington State working in print, radio, television, and online media. We are dedicated to supporting local productions and festivals; enhancing public education, awareness, and appreciation of cinema; and strengthening the bonds of critical dialogue as it pertains to the cinematic arts.
Since our formal establishment in 2016, the Seattle Film Critics Society has presented annual awards. Each year, we seek to highlight the best in films – produced by both major studios and independent filmmakers – and share our love of cinema with Seattle-area residents.
When we considered imagery for our awards, we sought to capture a distinctive facet of our city (other than the rain, which does make it a good moviegoing town). We thought of the Pike Place Market and the vendors who connect customers with freshly-caught seafood, often in dramatic fashion. That’s kind of what critics do for movies: showcase the freshest new releases to cinema-hungry audiences. Plus, we thought the fish was cute.
Information about our upcoming awards, eligibility, categories, and timeline
Awards by Year
The Pacific Northwest Award
Since 2022 the Seattle Film Critics Society (SFCS) has specifically honored Pacific Northwest filmmaking as part of our annual awards. This award, Best Pacific Northwest Film, is meant to celebrate the many talented filmmakers who produce work in the region. Keep an eye on the PNW Award page for Information about prior recipients as well as for this year’s nominees, screenings, and a history of the award.
John Hartl Pacific Northwest Spotlight
As part of our annual awards highlighting the best in film, Seattle Film Critics Society presents the John Hartl Pacific Northwest Spotlight award to honor the outstanding work of a person with local ties to the region.
Named in honor of John Hartl, the late Seattle Times film critic whose legacy remains a beacon in the region and beyond, the SFCS Board presents the award annually to acknowledge an exceptional body of work from an individual who represents the Pacific Northwest.
Recipients include:
Recent SFCS Awards News
- The Seattle Film Critics Society Announces Pacific Northwest Short Film Nominees and Screening at NWFF
Each year, the Seattle Film Critics Society (SFCS) honors Pacific Northwest filmmaking as part of their annual awards. For the first time, this effort will include a category to recognize achievement in short films. - The Seattle Film Critics Society announces Nominees for the Pacific Northwest Filmmaking Award and Local Screenings at SIFF.
Each year, the Seattle Film Critics Society (SFCS) honors Pacific Northwest filmmaking as part of their annual awards. A nominating committee carefully considered films released throughout the year whose primary production took place in the Pacific Northwest and selected six… Read more: The Seattle Film Critics Society announces Nominees for the Pacific Northwest Filmmaking Award and Local Screenings at SIFF. - “Sorry, Baby” wins SIFF 2025 Seattle Critics Award
The Seattle Film Critics Society polled all accredited media for their favorite new release feature film that played the 51st Seattle International Film Festival. Eighty different films appeared on member ballots as favorites, but there was widespread consensus at the… Read more: “Sorry, Baby” wins SIFF 2025 Seattle Critics Award - Seattle Film Critics Society Names “The Substance” the Best Picture of 2024
Seattle, WA – Seattle Film Critics Society (“SFCS”) announced the winners in 21 categories for the 2024 Seattle Film Critics Society Awards on Monday, December 16, 2024. The Substance was named the Best Picture of 2024. Written and directed by Coralie Fargeat, the satirical body-swapping evisceration of self-loathing and beauty standards premiered at the Cannes Film Festival this spring where it was picked up by MUBI. With fearless performances from Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley (who won Best Supporting Actress), and Dennis Quaid, the film’s potent body horror message lodged itself firmly into the imaginations of Seattle audiences and critics.