This year’s winners will be revealed during a ceremony on May 17 in Cannes.
Arab Cinema Centre (ACC) has announced the ninth edition of its Critics Awards for Arab Films, solidifying its commitment to honouring the region’s most exceptional cinematic achievements. The 2025 edition sets a new benchmark for international participation, bringing together a record 281 film critics from 75 countries to evaluate and celebrate Arab films that have gained increasing recognition on the global stage.
Deborah Young, Manager of the Critics Awards, said: “For its ninth edition, the Critics Awards for Arab Films continues to grow in both scale and influence. The increasing number of participating critics underscores the importance of Arab cinema on the global stage. Our goal remains to celebrate and elevate these films, ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve.”
Co-Founders of the ACC Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab also expressed their joy for nine years of the Critics’ Awards and a decade of the ACC, and added: “For over ten years, the Arab Cinema Centre has been a vital hub for Arab filmmakers, providing international exposure and opportunities. The Critics Awards for Arab Films have become a cornerstone of this mission, highlighting the creativity and excellence of Arab cinema on a global level. With each edition, the awards evolve — introducing new voices, expanding categories, and attracting more international attention. We are proud to see the growing impact of Arab films worldwide and remain committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration across borders.”
Four standout films have emerged as frontrunners in the 2025 Arab Cinema Centre (ACC) Awards, each earning nominations in five categories. The contenders include Thank You For Banking With Us by Laila Abbas (Palestine), Everybody Loves Touda by Nabil Ayouch (Morocco), Ghost Trail by Jonathan Millet (Tunisia) and Seeking Haven For Mr. Rambo by Khaled Mansour (Egypt).
Close behind is Mehdi Barsaoui’s Aïcha from Tunisia, which received four nominations. Other notable entries in this year’s lineup include The Village Next to Paradise by Mo Harawe (Somalia), To A Land Unknown by Mahdi Fleifel (Palestine), Voy! Voy! Voy! by Omar Hilal (Egypt) and Norah by Tawfik Alzaidi (Saudi Arabia).
Winners will be announced during a ceremony on May 17 in Cannes, organised by the ACC in partnership with MAD Solutions and the International Emerging Film Talent Association (IEFTA). The 2025 nominees were chosen from Arab films that premiered internationally in 2024, with a record 281 jury members from 75 countries participating in the voting process.
Launched alongside the 70th Cannes Film Festival, the Critics Awards are held annually in collaboration with Festival Scope. They spotlight the best Arab productions from the previous year, with honours awarded in multiple categories including Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Documentary, Best Short, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Music.
Beyond the awards themselves, the ACC has played a vital role over the past ten years in supporting emerging directors and championing innovative storytelling within Arab cinema. Through mentorship, resources, and international exposure, the Centre continues to inspire the next generation of filmmakers and position Arab cinema as a vibrant and dynamic force in the global film landscape.
