Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist” has been declared the best film of 2024 by the New York Film Critics Circle (NYFCC). Known for setting the tone for awards season, the NYFCC’s announcement kickstarts the race with its prestigious annual selections. Corbet’s three-and-a-half-hour historical drama also earned Adrian Brody the award for Best Actor, further cementing its dominance in this year’s film landscape.
Key Acting Wins Highlight Diversity
Alongside “The Brutalist,” Marianne Jean-Baptiste was awarded Best Actress for her powerful performance in Hard Truths. Her reunion with director Mike Leigh showcased her deep emotional range, marking a notable return since her Oscar-nominated role in Secrets & Lies.
Kieran Culkin claimed the Best Supporting Actor award for A Real Pain, while Carol Kane secured Best Supporting Actress for her role in Between the Temples. Both performances were praised for their depth and nuance, earning them recognition amid a highly competitive field.
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RaMell Ross Takes Best Director
RaMell Ross received the Best Director award for Nickel Boys, an adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel. Ross’s direction brought Whitehead’s gripping narrative to life, a feat that also earned Jomo Fray the award for Best Cinematography, praised for its raw, first-person perspective.
Notable Winners in Screenplay and Animation
Sean Baker won Best Screenplay for Anora, which previously won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. Baker, celebrated for his keen storytelling, continues to impress the NYFCC following his 2017 Best Director win for The Florida Project.
In animation, Gints Zilbalodis’ Flow was named Best Animated Film. The Latvian director’s innovative storytelling and visual artistry stood out in a competitive category, earning high praise from critics.
International and Non-Fiction Standouts
Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light took the title of Best International Film. Although it won the Grand Prix at Cannes, it wasn’t selected as India’s Oscar submission. This makes its potential Oscar run dependent on general category nominations.
The Best Non-Fiction Film award went to No Other Land, a collaboration between Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers. Chronicling the legal battle over West Bank villages, the film’s raw footage and emotional depth made a significant impact.
NYFCC’s Legacy of Bold Choices
Established in 1935, the NYFCC is renowned for its bold, independent selections, often diverging from Oscar picks. Their history of favoring artistic integrity over mainstream popularity includes iconic choices like Citizen Kane over How Green Was My Valley and Goodfellas over Dances with Wolves.
Though their Best Picture selections haven’t aligned with the Oscars since 2011’s The Artist, their influence remains strong. Their picks often receive Oscar nominations, reaffirming their role as a key player in the awards landscape.
The NYFCC will present its awards in January, continuing its tradition of recognizing films that push boundaries and redefine cinematic excellence.
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