As the cinematic year draws to a close, most of the Academy Awards favourites have been released into the wild (at least in America). As different groups vote on their favourites, we're starting to get some strong indications of the films, directors and cast members likely to be celebrated at the Oscars in March.
Yesterday, the prestigious New York Film Critics Circle revealed their 2013 awards. Director David O. Russell's latest film American Hustle emerged victorious, despite not yet having been commercially released (it will be released in the U.S. next week, and Ireland in January). The film is based on an FBI operation in the 1970s and 80s. The film is Russell's follow-up to the successful Silvers Lining Playbook, and also walked away with the best screenplay award. Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence was crowned Best Supporting Actress for her role in American Hustle.
Other notable awards included Best Director for 12 Years a Slave's Steve McQueen and Best Actress for Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine. Robert Redford won Best Actor for All Is Lost. Redford is the only person on screen in the story of a solo sailor attempting to find his way to safety after his yacht's navigation and communications gear are knocked out. Cannes winner Blue is the Warmest Colour was dubbed Best Foreign Language Film. You can see the full list of winners on the NYFCC website.
The winners at the Gotham Independent Film Awards were also announced this week, again indicating some of the films that are likely to be competing early next year. Best Film went to the Coen Brothers' latest effort Inside Llwyen Davis. Matthew McConaughey was voted as Best Actor for his performance as a rodeo cowboy diagnosed as HIV-positive in Dallas Buyer's Club. 24-year-old Brie Larson won Best Actress for Short Term 12. The full list of winners is available here.
The Oscar nominations will be announced on 16th of January. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have already announced their 15-film shortlist for the documentary category, as well as the 19 feature animation submissions. Both categories will be whittled down to five contenders each.
