Considering the vast numbers of critics groups awards we usually opt to include the few major ones announced in December, then let the rest fade away, but the last group to weigh in is usually the most on point and indeed, the National Society of Film Critics have chimed in, matching up with my personal favorite film of the year.
Made up of some of the top critics in the game (full list here), they’ve awarded Michael Haneke the Best Picture and Best Director nod for his drama Amour, along with Emmanuelle Riva grabbing Best Actress. Daniel Day-Lewis secured Best Actor, while Matthew McConaughey got noticed for both Magic Mike and Bernie, and The Master‘s sole acting victory was for Amy Adams‘ supporting performance. Dedicated to late Andrew Sarris, check out the rundown below (with runner-ups) from Keyframe, and we’d certainly be happy if the Oscars resemble anything close to the below.
BEST PICTURE
1. Amour – 28
2. The Master – 25
3. Zero Dark Thirty – 18
BEST DIRECTOR
1. Michael Haneke – 27
2. Kathryn Bigelow – 24
2. Paul Thomas Anderson — 24
BEST ACTOR
1. Daniel Day-Lewis – Lincoln – 59
2. Denis Lavant – 49
2. Joaquin Phoenix – 49
BEST ACTRESS
1. Emmanuelle Riva – Amour – 50
2. Jennifer Lawrence — 42
3. Jessica Chastain – 32
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
1. Matthew McConaughey – Magic Mike, Bernie – 27
2. Tommy Lee Jones – 22
3. Philip Seymour Hoffman – 19
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
1. Amy Adams – The Master – 34
2. Sally Field – 23
3. Anne Hathaway – 13
BEST NONFICTION
1. The Gatekeepers – 53
2. This Is Not a Film – 45
3. Searching for Sugar Man – 23
BEST SCREENPLAY
1. Lincoln (Tony Kushner) – 59
2. The Master (P.T. Anderson)– 27
3. Silver Linings Playbook (David O. Russell) – 19
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
1. The Master (Mihai Malaimare, Jr. ) – 60
2. Skyfall (Roger Deakins) – 30
3. Zero Dark Thirty (Greig Fraser) – 21
EXPERIMENTAL
This Is Not a Film (Jafar Panahi)
Do you think all these winners were deserving? What are your favorites?