The 2025 Gotham Awards were held in New York City this evening and were full of powerful performances, heartfelt speeches, and well-deserved recognition. During the event, Aaron Pierre snagged the trophy for Outstanding Performance in an Original Film, Broadcast or Streaming for Rebel Ridge, and Brian Tyree Henry was honored with the Performer Tribute.
Pierre’s win for Rebel Ridge (Netflix) in the Outstanding Performance category is a major nod to his breakout role in the gritty, socially-charged thriller.
Brian Tyree Henry is honored with the Performer Tribute at the 2025 Gotham TV Awards
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) June 3, 2025
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Then there was Henry, actor, Emmy nominee, and all-around scene-stealer, who was recognized with the Performer Tribute, celebrating his wide-ranging impact across stage and screen. Known for standout roles in Atlanta, Causeway, Bullet Train, and the recent series Dope Thief, Henry used his acceptance speech to both entertain and inspire.
“I truly have no words because I don’t ever win anything,” he said. “So getting this is really dope.” In classic Henry fashion, the speech veered from vulnerable to hilarious, with shoutouts to Kate Mulgrew, his “sexy” team at CAA, his publicist who “walks around with a box cutter in his shoe,” and even a moment of apology to the sign language interpreter for words like “pussy bow” and “Skims.”
But it wasn’t all jokes. Henry also reflected on what it means to be a performer. “We do it because we really need to know that people feel seen and feel heard,” he said. “That is what Dope Thief gave me the opportunity to do… to play this wonderful character named Ray, a Black man going through grief, trauma, addiction, trying to figure out where he lands in this circus we live in.”
The 2025 Gotham Awards celebrated talent across the board, including wins for Adolescence and The Pitt, as well as standouts like Julio Torres (Fantasmas) and Kathy Bates (Matlock).
Check out the full list of winners below.
Breakthrough Limited Series: Adolescence
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Limited Series: Stephen Graham, Adolescence (Netflix)
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Limited Series: Owen Cooper, Adolescence (Netflix) and Jenny Slate, Dying for Sex (FX / Hulu)
Breakthrough Drama Series: The Pitt
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Drama Series: Kathy Bates, Matlock (CBS)
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Drama Series: Ben Whishaw, Black Doves (Netflix)
Outstanding Original Film, Broadcast or Streaming: Pee-wee as Himself
Outstanding Performance in an Original Film, Broadcast or Streaming: Aaron Pierre, Rebel Ridge (Netflix)
Breakthrough Nonfiction Series: Social Studies
Breakthrough Comedy Series: The Studio
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Comedy Series: Julio Torres Fantasmas (HBO | Max)
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Comedy Series: Poorna Jagannathan, Deli Boys (Hulu)
