Richard Linklater’s films shine in 2025 as Nouvelle Vague earns Golden Globe nomination and Blue Moon scores 93% on Rotten Tomatoes

Acclaimed American filmmaker Richard Linklater, who is celebrated for his thoughtful, dialogue-driven storytelling and innovative approach to time and character, is now enjoying a major resurgence, dominating the 2026 awards season with both of his 2025 releases exceeding expectations. Nouvelle Vague earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture (Musical or Comedy), while Blue Moon boasts a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score from 204 critics and Certified Fresh status, reported Red94. The 2026 Golden Globes ceremony will take place on January 11 in Los Angeles, marking another milestone in Linklater’s enduring career.

Born on July 30, 1960, in Houston, Texas, Linklater - the self-taught director - rose to prominence with Slacker (1991) and Dazed and Confused (1993), films that captured everyday life with relaxed authenticity and sharp observation. He is especially renowned for the Before trilogy - Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight - which follows the same characters over nearly two decades, redefining cinematic romance. Linklater further pushed creative boundaries with Boyhood (2014), filmed over 12 years, earning widespread critical acclaim.



According to Red94, Linklater has gained unexpected momentum in 2025, with both Nouvelle Vague and Blue Moon earning spots in the 2026 Golden Globe categories. The dual recognition marks a notable moment for the independent film icon, who has long enjoyed critical praise but relatively limited awards success. Despite both films receiving Best Picture consideration, Linklater himself did not secure a directorial nomination, adding an unexpected twist to the awards-season narrative.


Nouvelle Vague marks Linklater’s first feature filmed entirely in French and shot in black and white. According to Red94, the movie pays tribute to the birth of the French New Wave by reimagining the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless. Starring Guillaume Marbeck as Godard and Zoey Deutch as Jean Seberg, the film premiered at major festivals such as Cannes and Rome, where it received strong critical acclaim throughout the fall of 2025.

Blue Moon chronicles the unraveling of legendary Broadway lyricist Lorenz Hart, exploring both his professional struggles and personal turmoil. Ethan Hawke delivers a deeply affecting performance, which critics have described as capturing a man barely holding himself together, reported Red94. The project reflects a long and close collaboration between Hawke and director Linklater, spanning 12 years. According to Red94, Hawke first received the script more than a decade ago and took part in periodic readings as Linklater continued to refine and shape the screenplay over time.