The New York Film Critics Circle recognizes ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ as the best film of the year, while Lily Gladstone wins best actress.
In a significant boost to its Oscar prospects, Martin Scorsese’s highly anticipated Western epic, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” has been named the best film of the year by the New York Film Critics Circle (NYFCC). This recognition marks a historic win for Apple Original Films, which distributed the movie in partnership with Paramount Pictures. The NYFCC’s choice for best film has traditionally aligned with the Academy Awards’ best picture prize, making this accolade a promising sign for Scorsese’s latest masterpiece. Additionally, Lily Gladstone’s portrayal of Mollie Burkhart in “Killers of the Flower Moon” earned her the best actress award, further solidifying the film’s position as an awards season contender.
Scorsese’s Third Top Prize:
With this win, Scorsese secures his third top prize from the NYFCC, following his previous wins for “Goodfellas” in 1990 and “The Irishman” in 2019. This accomplishment places him among the elite group of directors who have notched three best film wins, joining the ranks of William Wyler and Fred Zinnemann. Scorsese’s consistent recognition by the NYFCC underscores his mastery of storytelling and his ability to captivate audiences with his cinematic vision.
Gladstone’s Breakthrough Performance:
Lily Gladstone’s portrayal of Mollie Burkhart in “Killers of the Flower Moon” has garnered critical acclaim, earning her the first major critics award for the role. Previously, Gladstone won the best lead performance award at the Gotham Awards for her work in the indie film “The Unknown Country.” Her decision to campaign for the lead actress category, diverging from earlier speculation of a supporting actress campaign, initially sparked debates. However, Gladstone’s win at the NYFCC has seemingly allayed concerns about her nomination alignment and solidifies her as a formidable contender in the best actress race.
Implications for Supporting Contenders:
Da’Vine Joy Randolph, acclaimed for her standout performance in “The Holdovers” as Mary Lamb, secured the supporting actress prize at the NYFCC. This recognition positions her as a promising awards contender alongside “Oppenheimer” star Emily Blunt. Randolph’s win also highlights the competitive nature of the supporting actress category this year, with strong performances vying for recognition.
Recognition for Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer”:
Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film, “Oppenheimer,” received two significant accolades from the NYFCC: best director and cinematography. Nolan, known for his visually stunning and thought-provoking films, emerges as a formidable contender for the best director category. Recent history indicates that NYFCC winners, such as Chloé Zhao for “Nomadland” and Jane Campion for “The Power of the Dog,” have gone on to win Oscars. With only one previous director nomination for “Dunkirk,” Nolan’s overdue recognition by the Academy could finally be realized.
Breakthrough Success for “May December”:
“May December,” a breakout film starring Charles Melton, triumphed at the NYFCC with wins for supporting actor (Melton) and best screenplay (Samy Burch). These victories solidify the film’s presence as it vies for original screenplay and best picture nominations. Melton’s performance as Joe showcases his talent and potential as a rising star in the industry.
Surprise Win for Franz Rogowski:
Franz Rogowski’s performance in Mubi’s indie drama “Passages” surprised many by winning the best actor award. The NYFCC often recognizes unconventional performances, as seen in past winners like Timothy Spall in “Mr. Turner.” Rogowski’s win hints at his potential for an Oscar nomination, as three of the last five NYFCC best actor winners went on to receive Academy Award nominations.
Conclusion:
The New York Film Critics Circle’s recognition of “Killers of the Flower Moon” as the best film of the year and Lily Gladstone’s win for best actress significantly boost the film’s Oscar prospects. Martin Scorsese’s third top prize from the NYFCC solidifies his status as one of the greatest directors of our time. The awards also shed light on other deserving films and performances, such as Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” Charles Melton’s breakout role in “May December,” and Franz Rogowski’s surprise win for best actor. As the awards season progresses, these accolades from the NYFCC serve as a barometer for the films and talents that may dominate the upcoming Academy Awards.
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