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'Capote' Breaks 'Brokeback' Streak
The National Society of Film Critics' best picture earned multiple awards, as did 'A History of Violence.'
By Susan King
January 7, 2006
HOLLYWOOD -- "Capote" upset "Brokeback Mountain" on Saturday when the biographical drama was chosen best picture by the National Society of Film Critics.
To date, the majority of critics' groups had named "Brokeback Mountain" as the top picture of 2005, but the western drama about two cowboys in love didn't place among the three main contenders for best film by the 57-member group during Saturday's vote. In fact, "Brokeback" was shut out by the National Society of Film Critics.
It took an unprecedented six ballots for "Capote" to be selected by the critics at their 40th annual meeting at Sardi's restaurant in New York. And "Capote" won by the slimmest of margins -- only one vote separated it from the runner-up for best picture, "A History of Violence."
Besides nabbing best film honors, "Capote" star Philip Seymour Hoffman was chosen as best actor. Hoffman is shaping up as the front-runner for the Academy Award, having been selected by several critics' groups, including Los Angeles, Boston and Toronto. He also was nominated for a Golden Globe, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and an Independent Spirit award for his performance.
"History of Violence" also won two awards, for best director David Cronenberg and best supporting actor Ed Harris.
The critics named Reese Witherspoon as best actress for her role as country singer June Carter in the musical biopic, "Walk the Line." Last month, Witherspoon won best actress from the New York Film Critics' Circle; she's also a nominee for the Golden Globe and the SAG award.
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