‘The Favourite,’ ‘Roma’ tie as Houston Film Critics’ favorites
Yorgos Lanthimos’ biting period-piece comedy, “The Favourite,” and Alfonso Cuarón’s lyrical reminiscence of early ’70s Mexico City life, “Roma,” are the year’s best films as determined by the Houston Film Critics Society. Each won three awards Thursday night at the organization’s 12th annual Movie Awards with “The Favourite” nabbing best picture and Cuarón scoring director and cinematographer honors.
“The Favourite,” the favorite coming into the night with seven nominations, also won for best supporting actress (Rachel Weisz) and best screenplay (Deborah Davis, Tony McNamara) while “Roma” was named best foreign-language film.
The rest of the awards spread the love around with recognition going to Christian Bale (“Vice”) for best actor, Toni Collette (“Hereditary”) for best actress and Mahershala Ali (“Green Book”) for supporting actor.
“First Man” took the visual-effects prize, “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born” won for best song while Nicholas Britell’s elegant soundtrack for “If Beale Street Could Talk” received the award for best score.
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” the look at the life of Mister Rogers, won best documentary and “Isle of Dogs” won animated film.
“The Standoff at Sparrow Creek” won the TIFA (Texas Independent Film Award) as the best Texas film while Austin director Andrew Bujalski was given the Visionary Award for his film “Support the Girls.”
The ceremony took place at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and, though most of the recipients weren’t there, at least one star, Collette, sent a note of appreciation that was read to the crowd.
One highlight didn’t involve stars at all but representatives from the Houston consulates of the countries represented in the foreign-language category. The representatives from Mexico (“Roma”), South Korea (“Burning”), Poland (“Cold War”), Japan (“Shoplifters”) and Sweden (“Borders”) each expressed their gratitude in their native tongues and English.
In lieu of big celebrities, trailers, clips and a performance by pianist/singer Hank Taylor, who sang a medley of the nominated songs, provided the entertainment.
Local filmmaker Damir Catic was bestowed a special award for outstanding cinematic contribution to the Houston scene.
Two award categories you’re not going to see at the Oscars are best poster and best worst movie. “BlacKkKlansman” won the former, co-presented by B-movie star Dona Speir, while “The Happytime Murders,” starring Melissa McCarthy, was the unlucky recipient of the latter.
The Houston Film Critics Society is made up of film journalists working in print, radio, TV and online in Southeast Texas. Here is the complete list of winners: Picture: “The Favourite” Director: Alfonso Cuarón, “Roma” Actress: Toni Collette, “Hereditary” Actor: Christian Bale, “Vice”
Supporting actress: Rachel Weisz, “The Favourite” Supporting actor: Mahershala Ali, “Green Book” Documentary: “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” Animated: “Isle of Dogs” Foreign Language Film: “Roma” Cinematography: Alfonso Cuarón, “Roma” Screenplay: “The Favourite” Visual effects: “First Man” Song: “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born” Score: Nicholas Britell, “If Beale Street Could Talk” Poster: “BlacKkKlansman” Cinematic achievement: Damir Catic Best worst film: “The Happytime Murders”