The Gotham Film & Media Institute announced today that Tessa Thompson, for her performance in Amazon MGM Studios’ Hedda, will receive the Spotlight 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 Tessa for her magnetic portrayal in Nia DaCosta’s Hedda. Thompson also serves as a producer on the film.
“Tessa’s performance is both fearless and revelatory – an interpretation that deepens one of dramatic literature’s most complex characters and brings her into new focus for the audience that we represent here at The Gothams,” said Jeffrey Sharp, Executive Director of The Gotham Film & Media Institute. “We are thrilled to honor Tessa with the Spotlight Tribute and celebrate her extraordinary work in bringing Hedda to life with such depth and nuance. Throughout her remarkable career, she has remained committed to bold, transformative storytelling.”
A provocative reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play, Hedda follows enigmatic newlywed Hedda (Thompson), who is outwardly composed but hiding a simmering discontent that threatens to explode when the brilliant and charismatic Eileen Lovborg (Nina Hoss) reenters her life. Over the course of a raucous party, the high and low of society endure the consequences of this dangerous and unknowable woman yearning for a past love. What ensues is a ruthless game of manipulation, where lust, jealousy, and betrayal collide. Written and directed by Nia DaCosta, Hedda is a daring exploration of power, desire, and a woman’s refusal to be confined.
Hedda, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, will have a theatrical release from Amazon MGM Studios on October 22nd before streaming on Amazon Prime Video on October 29th. The film was produced by Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Gabrielle Nadig, Nia DaCosta, and Tessa Thompson, and also stars Nina Hoss, Imogen Poots, Tom Bateman, and Nicholas Pinnock.
Thompson’s recent film work includes The Listener, her Gotham Award-nominated turn in Passing, and Sylvie’s Love. She is also widely known for her roles as Valkyrie in the Thor franchise and as Bianca in the Creed trilogy. Her additional credits include Westworld, Annihilation, Dear White People, For Colored Girls, Furlough, Lady and the Tramp, Little Woods, Make it Happen, Men in Black: International, Mississippi Damned, Periphery, Red & Blue Marbles, Selma, Sorry to Bother You, The Human Contract, War on Everyone, and When a Stranger Calls. Upcoming, Thompson stars in Netflix’s limited series His & Hers, a dramatic thriller based on the book by author Alice Feeney, in which Thompson also executive produces under her production company banner Viva Maude, premiering in January 2026.
The Spotlight Tribute was presented last year to Zendaya for her performance in Challengers. It was previously announced that 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 Gotham Film & Media Institute to champion storytelling and creative excellence in film.
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