Although West Side Story came out of the CFCA (Chicago Film Critics Association) nominations gate strong with a record 11, it’s Jane Campion’s masterful slow-burn psychological thriller regarding identity and abuse, The Power of the Dog, that came out on top. For what it’s worth as a member of the voting body, it’s also the correct choice, as no other film this year has entranced me quite like this one, let alone keep me coming back to watch it over and over (if you ever get a chance to catch a 4K theatrical screening, do not miss your chance as it’s also visually stunning and boasts an incredible score from Jonny Greenwood).
In addition to the top prize, The Power of the Dog was also awarded Best Director for Jane Campion. This would turn out to be her second win of the night after also picking up a Best Adapted Screenplay award. Benedict Cumberbatch also took home Best Actor for his role as emotional terrorizing rancher Phil Burbank in what could have been seen as a lock for the night. And if you are reading this and only know Benedict from the MCU, I implore you to check this movie out (it’s free with your Netflix subscription) to see just how tremendous an actor he is. Even if you find his character a bit too uncomfortable, the majestic direction from Jane Campion also deserves to be seen and observed and studied for years to come.
Licorice Pizza, Spencer, and The French Dispatch took home a pair of awards. Pablo Larraín’s haunting fable won a significant prize in Kristen Stewart’s performance as Diana Spencer for Best Actress. She staved off tough Licorice Pizza competition in Alana Haim, the musician turned astonishing lead actress taking home the Breakthrough Performer award.
Below are the full results:
BEST PICTURE: The Power of the Dog
BEST DIRECTOR: Jane Campion, The Power of the Dog
BEST ACTOR: Benedict Cumberbatch, The Power of the Dog
BEST ACTRESS: Kristen Stewart, Spencer
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Kodi Smit-McPhee, The Power of the Dog
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Ruth Negga, Passing
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Licorice Pizza by Paul Thomas Anderson
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: The Power of the Dog by Jane Campion
BEST ANIMATED FILM: Flee
BEST DOCUMENTARY: Summer of Soul
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: Drive My Car
BEST ART DIRECTION/PRODUCTION DESIGN: The French Dispatch
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: The Power of the Dog, Ari Wegner
BEST COSTUME DESIGN: Spencer, Jacqueline Durran
BEST EDITING: The French Dispatch, Andrew Weisblum
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: The Power of the Dog, Jonny Greenwood
BEST USE OF VISUAL EFFECTS: Dune
MOST PROMISING PERFORMER: Alana Haim, Licorice Pizza
MILOS STEHLIK BREAKTHROUGH FILMMAKER: Michael Sarnoski, Pig
Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association and the Critics Choice Association. He is also the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews, follow my Twitter or Letterboxd, or email me at MetalGearSolid719@gmail.com