New York Critics Toast 'sideways'

Demonstrating a growing critical consensus, the New York Film Critics Circle on Monday hailed Alexander Payne's "Sideways" as best picture of the year.

The New York group seconded the choice of the Los Angeles Film Critics Assn., which also picked "Sideways" as its choice for the year's best (HR 12/13).

But unlike the L.A. group, which named Payne best director, the New York critics opted to honor Clint Eastwood for directing the boxing drama "Million Dollar Baby."

The 33- person group, headed by chairman Thelma Adams, met at the Muse Hotel in Manhattan, where it also singled out Paul Giamatti as best actor for "Sideways" and Virginia Madsen as best supporting actress for playing his love interest in the film.

Imelda Staunton was honored as best actress for her performance as a backroom abortionist in Mike Leigh's "Vera Drake"; the L.A. critics also awarded her that honor.

And the New Yorkers gave Clive Owen its best supporting actor award for his emotional turn as a cuckolded husband in "Closer."

The New York Film Critics Circle cited Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11" as the year's best nonfiction film, Pedro Almodovar's "Bad Education" as best foreign-language film, and Brad Bird's "The Incredibles" as best animated film.

It awarded kudos for best first film to Joshua Marston for "Maria Full of Grace."

Its best cinematography award went to Christopher Doyle for "Hero." Best screenplay honors went to the team of Payne and Jim Taylor for "Sideways."

"Clearly the New York Film Critics Circle went 'Sideways' this year, giving the brilliant dark comedy four awards," Adams said. "We are so happy to finally give Paul Giamatti the recognition he deserves."

The critics also bestowed a special award on Milestone Films in honor of 15 years of restoring classic films.

The awards will be presented Jan. 9 at a dinner at the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan.