Unsurprisingly to those who followed, the Houston Film Critics Society were big fans of Jane Campion. The power of the dog, awarding him Best Picture, Best Director (Campion), Best Actor (Benedict Cumberbatch), and Best Supporting Actor (Kodi Smit-McPhee). Additionally, Johnny Greenwood shares high score honors with Hans Zimmer (Dunes).
Douglas Harris, President of HFCS, adds: “As a year of uncertainty in movies comes to an end, one thing is certain, quality and creativity create screen magic at all times. No matter how we savor cinema, creative films that portray people facing challenges and change will continue to find audiences who appreciate them.
The only other multi-award winners were Dunes (Score and Cinematography), and Mass, the first film by Franz Kanz dealing with the aftermath of a school shooting. Ann Dowd won Best Actress and the entire cast won Best Ensemble.
Side note: Kanz was perhaps previously best known for his role as stoner Marty in 2012 The cabin in the woods.
The Houston Film Critics Society also awards the Texas Independent Film Award. This year, that honor goes to red rocket, directed by Sean Baker and starring Simon Rex.
Winners of the 15th Annual Houston Film Critics Society Awards
Picture: The power of the dog
Director:Jane Campion, The power of the dog
Actor: Benedict Cumberbatch, The power of the dog
Actress: Jessica Chastain, Tammy Faye’s eyes
Supporting actor: Kodi Scott-McPhee, The power of the dog
supporting actress:Ann Dowd, Mass
Scenario:Jane Campion, The power of the dog
Cinematography: Greig Fraser, Dunes
Animated feature: The Mitchells vs. the Machines
Original score: (tie) Hans Zimmer, Dunes; Johnny Greenwood, The power of the dog
original song: “Where I Fall – Part I,” Cyrano: music by Bryce Dessner and Aaron Dessner; lyrics by Matt Berninger and Carin Besser
foreign language film: drive my car
Documentary feature film: soul summer
Texas Independent Film Awards: red rocket
Visual effects: Dunes: Paul Lambert, Tristan Myles, Brian Connor and Gerd Nefzer
Stunt Coordination Team: no time to die: Matthew Sampson, head of the stunt department; Olivier Schneider, stunt supervisor; Leah Breckman, stunt coordinator; Jamie Edgell, assistant stunt coordinator, Yves Girard, stunt coordinator, second team; Boris Martinez, stunt co-coordinator, second unit; Gabriele Ragusa, assistant stunt coordinator; Franco Maria Salamon, stunt coordinator, Italy; Patrick Vo, flight choreographer and coordinator; stuntmen
Ensemble Cast: Mass: Reed Birney, Ann Dowd, Jason Isaacs and Martha Plimpton; Breeda Wool, Michelle N. Carter, Campbell Spoor, Kagen Albright, Michael White
Film Achievement Award: Well, go to the United States
About the Houston Film Critics Society
The 40 members of the Houston Film Critics Society work as film journalists on television, radio, online and in traditional print. Together, they reach millions of people each week across the United States with their film reviews and commentary. The organization’s mission is to promote the advancement and appreciation of filmmaking in the Houston community and beyond. For more information and a list of members, visit www.HoustonFilmCritics.com.
