The Gotham Film & Media Institute announced today that Noah Baumbach, for his work on Netflix’s “Jay Kelly,” will receive the Gotham Director Tribute at the 35th Annual Gotham Film Awards Ceremony, taking place on Monday, December 1st, 2025, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. With this tribute, The Gotham will honor Noah for his remarkable career and his latest achievement, a heartbreaking comedy starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler.
“As a three-time Gotham Award winner and five-time nominee, Noah Baumbach is one of our most beloved filmmakers,” said Jeffrey Sharp, Executive Director of The Gotham Film & Media Institute. “With ‘Jay Kelly‘ — marked by Noah’s unmistakable writing and extraordinary performances from George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and the cast — he once again shows why his storytelling continues to inspire audiences everywhere. We’re honored to celebrate him and this beautiful film with the Gotham Director Tribute.”
“Jay Kelly,” the new film from Academy Award nominee Noah Baumbach, follows famous movie actor Jay Kelly (George Clooney) as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting both his past and present, accompanied by his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler). Poignant and humor-filled, epic and intimate, “Jay Kelly” is pitched at the intersection of life’s regrets and notable glories.
“Jay Kelly” hits select theaters on November 14th and arrives on Netflix on December 5th. Along with Clooney and Sandler, the film stars Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Riley Keough, Grace Edwards, Stacy Keach, Jim Broadbent, Patrick Wilson, Eve Hewson, Greta Gerwig, Alba Rohrwacher, Josh Hamilton, Lenny Henry, Emily Mortimer, Nicôle Lecky, Thaddea Graham, Isla Fisher, Louis Partridge, and Charlie Rowe.
Baumbach’s Gotham wins include Best Feature, Best Screenplay, and the Audience Award for Netflix’s “Marriage Story.” He also wrote and directed “The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)” and “White Noise” for Netflix. His extensive filmography includes “The Squid and the Whale,” “Greenberg,” “Margot at the Wedding,” “Frances Ha,” and “Mistress America,” as well as co-writing the Oscar-nominated script for “Barbie.”
The Director Tribute was presented last year to Denis Villeneuve for “Dune: Part Two.” It was previously announced that Tessa Thompson will receive the Spotlight Tribute for “Hedda,” “Frankenstein” will receive The Gotham Vanguard Tribute, and the cast of “Sinners” will receive the Ensemble Tribute at the 35th Annual Gotham Film Awards.
Winners of the 35th Annual Gotham Film Awards will be honored at the awards ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street on Monday, December 1st, 2025. Nominees will be announced on October 28th, 2025. Genesis, the global luxury automotive brand known for its bold design and refined performance, celebrates the imagination and creativity its vehicles inspire. Through its partnership, Genesis aligns with the Gotham Film & Media Institute to champion storytelling and creative excellence in film.
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