And so begins the onslaught of Critics Circle awards. Starting the season off with a shock win, AMERICAN HUSTLE walked away with Best Picture after an extremely close five hour vote that just edged out 12 YEARS A SLAVE. With the NYFCC clearly split in its love for the two films, Steve McQueen was rewarded with Best Director, even if overshadowed by AMERICAN HUSTLE’s wins for Best Screenplay and Hollywood’s favourite gal Jennifer Lawrence.
Oscar nomination mortal locks Leto, Blanchett and Redford filled out the remaining acting honours, marking a huge boost for the latter. He may have Academy form, but a lack of campaigning thus far could easily work against him in such a strong category this year. This may also mark the start of many awards for Cate Blanchett’s fabulous turn in BLUE JASMINE, but don’t go forgetting Emma Thompson just yet…
Elsewhere, Sarah Polley’s personal STORIES WE TELL gains more steam in an attempt to separate itself from Joshua Oppenheimer’s THE ACT OF KILLING, Hayao Miyazaki’s THE WIND RISES triumphs and Ryan Coogler continues to ride high after his Gotham win.
Check out the full list of winners below:
BEST PICTURE:
AMERICAN HUSTLE
BEST DIRECTOR:
Steve McQueen – 12 YEARS A SLAVE
BEST SCREENPLAY:
AMERICAN HUSTLE
BEST ACTRESS:
Cate Blanchett – BLUE JASMINE
BEST ACTOR:
Robert Redford – ALL IS LOST
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Jennifer Lawrence – AMERICAN HUSTLE
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:
Jared Leto – DALLAS BUYERS CLUB
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHER:
Bruno Delbonnel – INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS
BEST ANIMATED FILM:
THE WIND RISES
BEST NON-FICTION FILM (DOCUMENTARY):
STORIES WE TELL
BEST FOREIGN FILM:
BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOUR
BEST FIRST FILM:
Ryan Coogler – FRUITVALE STATION
SPECIAL AWARD:
Frederick Wiseman
