“12 Years a Slave,” the harrowing true tale of a free black man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery, took home the lion’s share of awards at the 47th Annual Kansas City Film Critics Circle Awards, earning nods in six categories, including Best Film of 2013.
Other films recognized include Spike Jonze’s “Her,” Alfonso Cuaron’s “Gravity” and the documentary feature “The Act of Killing.” Cuaron and “12 Years a Slave” director Steve McQueen tied for the Robert Altman Award as Best Director. Another tie saw “Frozen” and “Despicable Me 2” sharing the Best Animated Feature prize.
The Kansas City Film Critics Circle, of which I am a member, was formed by Dr. James Loutzenhiser and is the 2nd oldest critics group in the nation.
The award winners:
BEST PICTURE: “12 Years a Slave”
ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTOR: Alfonso Cuaron – “Gravity” and Steve McQueen – “12 Years a Slave”
BEST ACTOR: Chiwetel Eliofor – “12 Years a Slave”
BEST ACTRESS: Sandra Bullock – “Gravity”
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Michael Fassbender – “12 Years a Slave”
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Lupita Nyong’o – “12 Years a Slave”
BEST ANIMATED FILM: “Despicable Me 2” and “Frozen”
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: “Blue is the Warmest Color”
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: “The Act of Killing”
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Spike Jonze – “Her”
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: John Ridley – “12 Years a Slave”
VINCE KOEHLER AWARD FOR BEST FANTASY, SCIENCE FICTION OR HORROR FILM: “Her”