new york film critics circle award for best film

Haley Watson is a financially struggling college student who was supposed to be artificially inseminated with a sperm sample from her ex-boyfriend and professor, Ben Ferguson, but was mistakenly implanted with the sample of her longtime rival, Justin Crosby. According to the plan, Ben was supposed to give Haley a check after the procedure to help her save her brother, but he backed out at the last minute, claiming he would only fulfill his promise if Haley actually got pregnant. Under constant bullying from her classmate Regina and mounting pressure from Ben, Haley was pushed to her limits. At this point, Justin stepped in and actively helped her with kindness and generosity. Haley's perception of him gradually changed, and she began to develop feelings for him, but she never dared to tell him that the child was his. Can they overcome these challenges together and ultimately find their way to each other?

After being driven out by her stepmother, Nora Seth encountered Hans Frank, the most powerful man in the capital, and they quickly got married. Due to her ordinary background, Nora faced exclusion in the high society, but she was smart and resilient, never giving up. Through her efforts, she became a top designer, embarrassing the elite ladies. What made her happier was that Hans doted on her endlessly.

When Vicky Evans was ten, she took Ryan Seymour in and took him as a little brother. Unexpectedly, Ryan fell in love with her. Vicky didn't know what to do and went abroad to avoid him. Five years later, Vicky caught her fiancé cheating on the night she came back. However, Evans Group faced a financial crisis. Meanwhile, she started to find out some secrets about Ryan.

The U.S. nuclear medical professor Charlie Clare quits his career for family, but is abandoned as his wife and daughter favor his love rival Isaac. After suffering his family’s ignorance, he decides to leave for the Unicorn Project, which he designed for healing his daughter’s neuro-skel birthmark as his life work. But unaware that Charlie’s burning his life for them, his wife and daughter deepen the rift with Charlie upon reunion and eventually destroy everything Charlie left for them with their own hands before realizing their errors, only to find it too late.

Jessica Shaw's daughter loses her life under the rubble during a fire, while her husband, Zachary Yandell, saves another mother and daughter. Throughout their marriage, Jessica has been the one caring for their family, while Zachary continually makes excuses and sides with that pair of mother and daughter. This tragic loss has pushed Jessica to her limit. Determined to seek justice, she vows to make those who have wronged her and her daughter pay for their actions.

Young scientist Sharon Lynd is the leading figure at the Halora Academy of Sciences, pioneering the development of universal synthetic blood. Her groundbreaking work earns her the Nobel Prize in Medicine, yet she remains humble and unpretentious. During a blind date, a conflict arises with her fiancé, Howard Ted's company secretary, Yvette Smith, over a parking spot. Meanwhile, Howard company is on the brink of collapse, and Howard himself, arrogant and snobbish, harbors prejudice toward Sharon before their meeting. At the blind date, Sharon endures public humiliation, her humble gift of fruit is crushed, and Howard demands exorbitant compensation,making her a laughingstock. Having endured enough humiliation, Sharon strikes back with force and refuses to be pushed around.

On her birthday, Jeanne Leonard got hit with a double heartbreak: her boyfriend of four years, Tristan Frey, secretly tied the knot with his first love, Loretta Steele. To make things worse, Jeanne was in a car crash right after Tristan walked out on her. Hovering between life and death, she made a trade — her ability to love, in exchange for a second chance at life. Now back in the world, but unable to fall in love again, Jeanne is done chasing the past. She agrees to an arranged marriage with Nelson Sanford — not for love, but to take control of her future and rewrite her story on her own terms.

Chiharu, once the heiress of a wealthy family, married Asahi in secret to repay his kindness, supporting his career behind the scenes. But for three years, Asahi misunderstood her, humiliated her, and let his mother mistreat her. On their anniversary, Chiharu was in a car accident—only to find Asahi with his pregnant ex, Misaki. Heartbroken, she chose divorce and returned to her powerful family. Realizing her importance too late, Asahi tried to win her back, sparking Misaki's jealousy and schemes. With help from her stepbrother Masato, Chiharu overcame every trap. Masato confessed his love, and Asahi began to pursue her again. Stepbrother or ex-husband—who will Chiharu choose?

Reanna, a top SAT scorer, was framed for cheating by Lori and her brother Frank. Her reputation was destroyed, and she died with no chance to defend herself. After being reborn, Reanna starts digging for the truth and uncovers their secret scheme. In the next exam, she hands in a blank paper to prove her innocence. To everyone's shock, her teacher reveals she's already secured a spot at a top university. At the school ceremony,the truth finally comes out. Lori's wealthy father tries to silence the scandal, but Reanna refuses to back down. In the end, she reclaims both justice and her true identity.

To stay close to her married best friend Jolly, Gia Corby decides to pursue Jolly's brother-in-law, the aloof doctor Connor Eriksson. While Gia pursues him aggressively, he watches coldly from the sidelines, occasionally lending a hand.Just as Gia is about to win his heart, Connor's first love returns. Gia gives up, but Connor begins forcefully pursuing her. Ultimately, the two end up sweetly together.

Eight years ago, Anna Lane, a D-list actress, married Caleb Scott, CEO of Scott Group, to fulfill her grandfather's wish. After unexpectedly becoming pregnant, she filed for divorce. Six years later, the Scott family discovers that her daughter, Nancy, is actually Caleb's child and begins searching for them.While Anna faces mistreatment on a film set, Caleb arrives to rescue them but doesn't recognize his daughter. At a banquet, Caleb's mother reveals Nancy's identity, and the truth comes out: Anna is Caleb's ex-wife. Caleb confesses his love, and they remarry, welcoming twins and achieving both love and career success.

To settle her father's debt, Vivian Gray reluctantly accepts Shane Ford's offer of 200,000 dollars to become his wife. On the day they register their marriage, both disguise themselves, unwilling to reveal their true identities. A year later, while working as a hostess at a film festival, Vivian accidentally trips and falls, unintentionally stealing Shane's first kiss. "Get off me!" Shane snaps angrily. "I'm sorry, but... your lips are so soft!" Vivian blurts out. The incident costs Vivian her job, and fate takes a surprising turn when she ends up becoming Shane's assistant.

Eight years ago, Anna Lane, a D-list actress, married Caleb Scott, CEO of Scott Group, to fulfill her grandfather's wish. After unexpectedly becoming pregnant, she filed for divorce. Six years later, the Scott family discovers that her daughter, Nancy, is actually Caleb's child and begins searching for them. While Anna faces mistreatment on a film set, Caleb arrives to rescue them but doesn't recognize his daughter. At a banquet, Caleb's mother reveals Nancy's identity, and the truth comes out: Anna is Caleb's ex-wife. Caleb confesses his love, and they remarry, welcoming twins and achieving both love and career success.

Miles, a singer from a humble background, lost his sight three years ago while saving his girlfriend from a fire. His girlfriend Jane and sister Hedy asked him to be a ghost singer for the singer York, who promised Miles he would help him debut. However, on the day York became a superstar, he broke his promise. Miles stood up to accuse York of lip-syncing but was knocked out by his girlfriend and sister, leading to his unfortunate death. In his second life, Miles was determined not to be used by others again. After regaining his sight, he exposed York's lip-syncing scandal at York's concert and showcased his own talent. He caught the attention of major players in the showbiz and signed a lucrative contract, stepping into the ranks of superstars!

Saniya Riggs, heiress to an entertainment empire, chose to start as an assistant to prove herself. Her dreams shatter when celebrity boyfriend Dominic Carter orchestrates a car crash killing both her and their unborn child. Death isn't the end—she awakens back in time with all her memories intact.Armed with wisdom and insider knowledge, Saniya strategically supports her best friend's rise while elevating Felipe Bates from ""struggling escort"" to top-tier celebrity. Her mission extends beyond personal success:systematically reforming the corrupt entertainment industry and rescuing vulnerable young talents from exploitation.Through shrewd business moves, Saniya ultimately controls two major entertainment conglomerates, finding true love with the devoted Felipe who remained loyal through her journey of revenge and redemption.

In her past life, Yasmin donated bone marrow to her father, Howard Lester, who was suffering from a severe illness. However, her family only favored her sister, Ruby. As Yasmin's health worsened, she passed away tragically amidst her family's misunderstanding and indifference. When she opened her eyes again, she found herself reborn. Determined to change her fate and reclaim everything she lost, Yasmin participated in a movie audition. She became famous for her emotional crying scenes and was taken care of by her mother's best friend, Chelsea Ford. With Chelsea's help, Yasmin exposed Ruby's true nature, revealing to her father that her late mother had been his true love, leaving him filled with regret. Despite everything, the kind-hearted Yasmin still donated bone marrow to save her father. Cherished by those around her, Yasmin grew up happily and ultimately had her own fulfilling life.

Gifted with musical talent from a young age, Evelyn Pearson wins a newcomer's championship and receives a confession from her boyfriend Zac Parker. She then steps back from the spotlight to write songs for Zac's entertainment company. Later, when Zac grows tired of her and starts an affair with his new love interest Autumn Hopper, Evelyn is forced to break up with him. Having come to her senses, Evelyn decides to debut on her own merit. With Corey Simpson's help, she makes a comeback and rises to become a superstar.

Ji-Yeon, the wanna-be among the theater majors at school, dreams of a bright future after being cast in a famous director's work. However, her life shatters when her best friend Yu-Mi spreads a deepfake video of Ji-Yeon having an intercourse with Professor Park, and on top of that, has an affair with Geon-Woo, Ji-Yeon's boyfriend. Determined for revenge, Ji-Yeon teams up with the teaching assistant Su-Ho, who exposes Yu-Mi's true identity to her.