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Hamnet has been named Best Picture at AARP Movies for Grownups Awards, marking a major win at the twenty fifth edition of the annual ceremony. The event took place Saturday night at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and celebrated films from 2025 that resonated strongly with audiences aged fifty and older. Hosted by Alan Cumming, the evening brought together acclaimed filmmakers and performers whose work reflects storytelling that connects across generations.
The AARP Movies for Grownups Awards have built a reputation for recognizing films that combine quality, emotional depth, and relevance for mature audiences. This year’s Best Picture honor for Hamnet highlights the film’s ability to engage viewers through its storytelling and performances. The award places Hamnet among a distinguished group of past winners and reinforces its standing as one of the most talked about films of the year within this space.
In addition to Hamnet, several other notable films were recognized during the ceremony. One Battle After Another emerged as one of the night’s most celebrated titles, earning multiple awards including Best Supporting Actress for Regina Hall, Best Screenwriter for Paul Thomas Anderson, and Best Ensemble. The film’s strong showing reflected its broad appeal and the strength of its cast and creative team.
George Clooney received the Best Actor award for his performance in Jay Kelly, while Laura Dern was honored with Best Actress for Is This Thing On. Their wins underscored the continued impact of veteran performers who remain at the forefront of the industry. Delroy Lindo earned Best Supporting Actor for Sinners, adding another highlight to a night focused on accomplished acting.
Guillermo del Toro was named Best Director for Frankenstein, a recognition of his distinctive vision and long standing influence on cinema. Other honors included Sentimental Value, which received awards for Best Intergenerational Film and Best Foreign Language Film, and Springsteen Deliver Me from Nowhere, which won Best Period Film. The documentary award went to My Mom Jayne, further demonstrating the range of storytelling celebrated at the event.
Television was also recognized, with The Pitt taking home Best TV Series or Limited Series. Noah Wyle won Best Actor in a TV role for The Pitt, while Kathy Bates received Best Actress in TV for Matlock. These awards highlighted the continued strength of television programming that appeals to older viewers.
One of the evening’s special moments came when Adam Sandler was presented with the Career Achievement Award. The honor followed a busy year for the actor, including projects such as Happy Gilmore 2 and Jay Kelly, and acknowledged his wide ranging career and lasting connection with audiences.
The ceremony is set to air on February twenty two on PBS Great Performances, allowing viewers nationwide to experience the celebration. Overall, the twenty fifth AARP Movies for Grownups Awards showcased a diverse group of films and performances, with Hamnet standing at the center as this year’s Best Picture and a clear favorite among grownup moviegoers.
