And the critics are off! The New York Film Critics Circle has convened and given out their laurels for the best of the year, and the big winner is Todd Haynes’s Carol. The lesbian drama starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara made a strong showing, taking Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Cinematography. Last year, Richard Linklater’s Boyhood took the top prize, only to lose out later to Birdman at the Oscars. Kristen Stewart has also reasserted herself as a presence in the Best Supporting Actress category for her turn in Clouds of Sils Maria. Stewart notably became the first American actress to win a competitive César back in February. Here’s the full list of winners:
BEST FILM
Carol
BEST DIRECTOR
Todd Haynes, Carol
BEST SCREENPLAY
Phyllis Nagy, Carol
BEST ACTRESS
Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn
BEST ACTOR
Michael Keaton, Spotlight
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Kristen Stewart, Clouds of Sils Maria
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Mark Rylance, Bridge of Spies
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Ed Lachman, Carol
BEST NON-FICTION FILM
In Jackson Heights
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Timbuktu
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Inside Out
BEST FIRST FILM
László Nemes, Son of Saul
SPECIAL AWARDS
William Becker and Janus Films
Ennio Morricone