There was an understandable sense of anticipation in the air at last Friday's US Film Critics' Choice Awards gala, as winners on the night have a tendency to go on to Oscar glory. Among those revelling in the positive signs was director Martin Scorsese, whose latest flick earned a best picture gong as well as the best director title at the Santa Monica ceremony.
Despite his illustrious box office record, Martin has yet to win a coveted Academy Award, but if the indications are anything to go by, The Departed - starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon - may see all that change. "I am pleased with this award and surprised," said Martin. "Maybe it's because this is the first picture I made with a plot," he joked.
Among the night's other big winners was the cast of offbeat comedy Little Miss Sunshine who won the best ensemble award. The film's rising star Abigail Breslin also won the best young actress while her onscrreen brother in the flick, Paul Dano, took home the best young actor trophy.
Ten-year-old Abigail certainly spread some sunshine with her dazzling smile as she stepped onto the stage with her screen mum and dad - Toni Colette and Greg Kinnear. The low-budget film won four awards in total, as did Dreamgirls which earned a best supporting actor nod for Eddie Murphy.
It was a good night for Britain's thespians, too, as Dame Helen Mirren continued to add to her awards haul with the best actress title for her acclaimed performance in The Queen. Meanwhile, Sacha Baron Cohen - accompanied by his flame-haired fiancée Isla Fisher - scooped the best comedy prize for Borat. The comedian, who has been hit by lawsuits for the spoof documentary, thanked all the Americans who are yet to sue him.
There was yet more partying to be done in Los Angeles, where Tinseltown stars attended a cocktail reception on Sunday night prior to the LA Film Critics' Association Awards. Veteran filmmaker Clint Eastwood was in high spirits as he chatted with The Last King Of Scotland lead Forest Whitaker, and the actor's father.
Texas-born Forest, who won the best actor nod at Friday's award ceremony, is a favourite along with Helen Mirren to take the top acting honours at February's Oscars. He plays brutal Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the thriller, apparently staying in character for the entire shoot, speaking with a Ugandan accent on and off-set - even to his wife.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
