C&I readers cast ballots to honor their favorite films and TV shows that premiered during 2025.
The results are in for the ninth annual C&I Movie & TV Awards. Or as we like to call them: The Cowboys.
Nominations for the awards were selected by a C&I committee from films and television productions that premiered, or continued, during the calendar year of 2025. As always, however, C&I readers had the final word, casting thousands of votes to determine the winners across a range of movie and television categories.
This year’s awards saw strong showings from several productions, with Americana leading the film categories. The neo-western from writer-director Tony Tost earned the coveted Best Picture award, while Tost also rode off with honors for Best Director and Best Screenplay.
Sydney Sweeney and Paul Walter Hauser in Americana
Over on the television side, Elkhorn once again proved a reader favorite. The INSP drama about Theodore Roosevelt’s early years in the Dakota Territory claimed Best Television Series, while star Mason Beals repeated his success with another win for Best Actor (Television Series).
Other notable winners include Pierce Brosnan for his commanding performance in The Unholy Trinity, Sarah Cortez for Long Shadows, and Helen Mirren for her powerful turn in the second season of 1923.
Mason Beals in Elkhorn
In the documentary category, readers honored Sitting Bull, a gripping docuseries portraying the life and legacy of the legendary Lakota leader.
Here is the complete list of winners for the 2026 C&I Movie and TV Awards.
C&I Movie Award Winners
Best Picture
Americana
Best Documentary
Sitting Bull
Best Screenplay
Tony Tost — Americana
Best Director
Tony Tost — Americana
Best Actress
Sarah Cortez — Long Shadows
Best Actor
Pierce Brosnan — The Unholy Trinity
Best Supporting Actress
Jacqueline Bisset — Long Shadows
Best Supporting Actor
Zahn McClarnon — Americana
C&I TV Award Winners
Best Series
Elkhorn
Best Actor (Television Series)
Mason Beals — Elkhorn
Best Actress (Television Series)
Helen Mirren — 1923
Best Supporting Actor (Television Series)
Jeff DuJardin — Elkhorn
Best Supporting Actress (Television Series)
Deanna Allison — Dark Winds
A very special thanks to all of our C&I readers who cast their votes. Your enthusiasm and participation made the ninth year of the C&I Movie & TV Awards another success.
Stay tuned later this year for nominations for the 10th annual C&I Movie & TV Awards.
