The Hurt Locker Wins Big at NY Film Critics Awards

The Hurt Locker has been voted the best film of 2009 by the New York Film Critics Circle, an organization which includes critics from newspapers, magazines and qualifying online general interest publications. The film’s director, Kathryn Bigelow, was honored as the year’s best director. Best actress and actor awards were awarded to Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia) and George Clooney (Up in the Air and Fantastic Mr. Fox), respectively. Other winners include Summer Hours (Best Foreign Language Film) and Hunger, directed by Steve McQueen (Best First Feature).

Each December the organization’s members meet to announce awards for the year’s best; 2009 marks the New York Film Critics Circle’s 75th year. The awards given by the Film Critics Circle are often seen as a predictor of which films will receive Oscar nominations. The presentation will take place in New York’s Flatiron district on January 11, 2010.

The complete list of winners:

Best Picture – The Hurt Locker
Best Director – Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker)
Best Screenplay – In The Loop
Best Actress – Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia)
Best Actor – George Clooney (Up In The Air / Fantastic Mr. Fox)
Best Supporting Actress – Mo’Nique (Precious)
Best Supporting Actor – Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds)
Best Cinematographer – Christian Berger (The White Ribbon)
Best Animated Film – Fantastic Mr. Fox
Best Non-Fiction Film (Documentary) – Of Time and The City
Best Foreign Film – Summer Hours
Best First Film – Hunger (Steve McQueen)
Special – Andrew Sarris

Visit nyfcc.com to check out winners from previous years and to see the list of current New York Film Critics Circle members.