Founded in 2002, The Washington DC Area Film Critics Association (WAFCA) comprises professional DC-based film critics with affiliations in television, radio, print and the internet. As of 2025, WAFCA has grown to include over 65 dedicated members from the District, Maryland and Virginia.
Our group works to advocate complete freedom of expression in film and film criticism – including the individual critic’s right to disagree with the opinions of their colleagues, and to promote public awareness that film is an important art form as well as a means of entertainment.
WAFCA maintains stringent requirements for membership and our members must adhere to all studio-imposed review embargoes.
Our members vote every December to recognize the very best achievements of the cinematic year. Over the brief history of the association, WAFCA has garnered international attention, respect and credibility for the independent-minded approach that the group has taken in honoring Hollywood’s elite, often serving as a bellwether for identifying both Golden Globe and Academy Award winners.