Arts Desk
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FILM CRITICS CIRCLE FLIPS FOR ‘SIDEWAYS’
The New York Film Critics Circle, whose members include The New York Sun’s Nathan Lee, named Alexander Payne’s “Sideways” best picture of 2004 yesterday. The 33-member group meets every December to vote on films from the same calendar year.
Clint Eastwood was named best director for “Million Dollar Baby” while the best actor award went to Paul Giamatti for “Sideways.” Imelda Staunton was named best actress for “Vera Drake.” “Fahrenheit 9/11,” directed by Michael Moore, was chosen as the year’s best non-fiction film, and “Bad Education,” directed by Pedro Almodovar, was selected as best foreign-language film.
“The Incredibles,” written and directed by Brad Bird, was named best animated film and the award for best first film was given to “Maria Full of Grace” filmmaker Joshua Marston.
The award for best supporting actor went to Clive Owen for “Closer” while Virginia Madsen was chosen as best supporting actress for “Sideways.” Best cinematography went to Christopher Doyle for the film “Hero.” “Sideways,” written by Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor, was voted best screenplay.
A special award was given to Milestone Films, in honor of 25 years of restoring classic films.
The NYFCC’s chairman, Thelma Adams, will present the awards at a dinner January 9 at the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan.