The annual AARP Movies for Grownups Awards has announced its top winners for 2025, with the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown securing the coveted Best Picture award. The ceremony, which was delayed due to the Los Angeles wildfires, took place on Saturday at the Beverly Wilshire and was hosted by actor Alan Cumming.
This year’s event celebrated movies and television that resonate with older audiences, honoring seasoned actors and filmmakers for their contributions to the industry. While many films and TV shows were in contention, A Complete Unknown emerged as the clear frontrunner of the evening.
A Surprise Victory for ‘A Complete Unknown’
Despite Conclave leading the nominations going into the night, the film walked away empty-handed, paving the way for A Complete Unknown to dominate the awards. Directed by James Mangold, the film explores the early years of Bob Dylan, weaving a narrative that has resonated deeply with both critics and audiences.
The film not only won Best Picture, but also secured Best Ensemble, further cementing its place as a standout cinematic achievement of the year. The victory signals growing appreciation for biography-driven storytelling, particularly among older viewers who have a deep connection to Dylan’s music and legacy.
Demi Moore and Adrien Brody Take Top Acting Honors
Among the night’s most notable winners were Demi Moore and Adrien Brody, who each walked away with the top acting prizes. Moore, known for her iconic performances over the years, won Best Actress for her role in The Substance. Meanwhile, Brody clinched Best Actor for his performance in The Brutalist.
The awards were a testament to their careers, as both actors have been consistently delivering powerful performances for decades. For Brody, this latest win adds to an already impressive resume, while Moore’s win further solidifies her resurgence in Hollywood.
‘Shōgun’ Reigns Supreme in TV Categories
While the awards primarily focus on feature films, the television categories were just as competitive this year. The FX-produced historical drama Shōgun took home Best TV Series or Limited Series, a well-deserved victory for a show that has been praised for its ambitious storytelling and historical accuracy.
Jon Hamm, best known for Mad Men, earned Best Actor (TV) for his role in Fargo, while Jodie Foster won Best Actress (TV) for her powerful performance in HBO’s True Detective: Night Country.
The results highlight a growing trend—viewers are demanding more high-quality, mature storytelling in television, with miniseries and dramas leading the charge.
AARP’s Mission: Celebrating Mature Filmmaking
The AARP Movies for Grownups Awards stands apart from traditional award ceremonies like the Oscars and Golden Globes by focusing on films that speak directly to older audiences. Every year, the awards recognize stories that challenge conventions and highlight the contributions of veteran artists in the industry.
The event also honored Glenn Close with a Career Achievement Award, acknowledging her decades-long career filled with memorable roles, from Fatal Attraction to The Wife.
Full List of Major Winners
Here’s a look at the key winners from the 2025 AARP Movies for Grownups Awards:
- Best Picture: A Complete Unknown
- Best Actress: Demi Moore (The Substance)
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
- Best Supporting Actress: Joan Chen (Didi)
- Best Supporting Actor: Peter Sarsgaard (September 5)
- Best Director: Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez)
- Best TV Series: Shōgun
- Best Actress (TV): Jodie Foster (True Detective: Night Country)
- Best Actor (TV): Jon Hamm (Fargo)
The night’s winners reflected an awards season that continues to be diverse and competitive, with surprises in several key categories.
Final Thoughts: A Night of Recognition for Timeless Storytelling
The AARP Movies for Grownups Awards continues to make a statement—it values stories made for and by seasoned talents, proving that Hollywood isn’t just about youthful blockbusters and superhero epics. With A Complete Unknown emerging as a major winner, it’s clear that audiences still crave thoughtful, nostalgic, and story-driven films.
As the film industry becomes more diverse in its offerings, awards like these help spotlight films that might otherwise be overlooked, ensuring that mature storytelling remains at the forefront.
With the Oscars on the horizon, will A Complete Unknown continue its success? Only time will tell…
Source: Hollywood Reporter