NYFCC goes to AMERICAN HUSTLE

     The first big critics awards went out today and, in somewhat of a surprise, David O. Russell's American Hustle won for Best Feature. Is Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave going to be the most important film of the year that even the critics do not go for? Is it too brutal? Honest? In your face? Yes. It is all of that. It is also made with amazing skill, unbelievable nuanced performances and a history lesson that is not didactic, but full of massive cultural, social and historical value. The film is so tough to sit through, but so valuable and important as well. I, of course, have not seen Russell's film yet and am really looking forward to it, but it seems like a safe, entertaining pick. Let's be safe and go with the showy, well-made film, instead of the hard-sit that is full of intensity and masterful filmmaking. I know once I see the Coen's Inside Llewyn Davis I will feel similar, in that they make important, astute, witty and intelligent films that will last forever in the pantheon of important cinema. I do not know. The only award for 12 Years a Slave was for Steve McQueen as Best Director. The NYFCC really liked American Hustle, winning Best Screenplay and giving Best Supporting Actress to Jennifer Lawrence, who is supposed to be great, but how do you not award Lupita Nyong'o for 12 Years a Slave. It is neck-and-neck for Best Actor. I could go either way between Redford and  Ejiofor. McConaughey is fantastic too, but I feel Ejiofor and Redford are just a little bit better. Redford won here and I am fine with that. Other surprise, no wins for Alfonso Cuáron's Gravity. Interesting? Here is a full list of the winners. Enjoy.

BEST FEATURE
American Hustle   

BEST DIRECTOR
Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave

BEST SCREENPLAY
Eric Singer & David O. Russell, 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   d. Hayao Miyazaki

BEST NON-FICTION FILM (DOCUMENTARY)
Stories We Tell   d. Sarah Polley

BEST FOREIGN FILM
Blue Is the Warmest Color   d. Abdellatif Kechiche

BEST FIRST FILM
Fruitvale Station   d. Ryan Coogler

SPECIAL AWARD
Frederick Wiseman, At Berkeley

Photo credit by ropeofsilicon.com.