FILM CRITICS CIRCLE OF AUSTRALIA
The Film Critics Circle of Australia's Annual Awards for the Australian Films of 2019 were held at the Paddington RSL on Monday 17 February. It was a star-studded affair enjoyed by a large crowd both from behind and in front of the camera plus, of course, many film critics. The evening was once again hosted by veteran actor Les Asmussen and included the always popular film quiz and raffle. The surprise highlight was the attendance of the director, Rolf de Heer, who was recognised with a career award for his unique body of work and his contribution to Australian cinema.
According to the President of the FCCA, Ian Phipps, "The 30 feature films that were considered for this year's awards continue that rich record in storytelling - stories ranging from a female jockey triumphing in a man's world to a visceral and dynamic reinterpretation of the 16th century Punch and Judy puppet show; from one of the bloodiest battles in the Vietnam War to familial nuptial troubles in the Top End; from the harrowing account of a horrendously wronged woman's vigilante efforts to avenge white male oppression in the wilds of Tasmania, circa 1825, to a boy's touching relationship with a pelican in coastal South Australia."
And the winners are:
BEST FILM - The Nightingale - Producers: Kristina Ceyton, Steve Hutensky, Jennifer Kent, Bruna Papandrea
BEST DIRECTOR - David Michôd - The King
BEST ACTOR - Damon Herriman - Judy & Punch
BEST ACTRESS - Aisling Franciosi - The Nightingale
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY - Ben Nott ACS - Danger Close: The Battle Of Long Tan
BEST SCREENPLAY - David Michôd and Joel Edgerton - The King
BEST EDITING - Veronika Jenet ASE - Danger Close: The Battle Of Long Tan
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE - Caitlin Yeo - Danger Close: The Battle Of Long Tan
BEST ACTOR, SUPPORTING ROLE - Joel Edgerton - The King
BEST ACTRESS, SUPPORTING ROLE - Ursula Yovich - Top End Wedding
BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY (Shared Award)
The Final Quarter - Director: Ian Darling, Producers: Mary Macrae and Ian Darling
Martha: A Picture Story - Director: Selina Miles, Producer: Daniel Joyce
According to the President of the FCCA, Ian Phipps, "The 30 feature films that were considered for this year's awards continue that rich record in storytelling - stories ranging from a female jockey triumphing in a man's world to a visceral and dynamic reinterpretation of the 16th century Punch and Judy puppet show; from one of the bloodiest battles in the Vietnam War to familial nuptial troubles in the Top End; from the harrowing account of a horrendously wronged woman's vigilante efforts to avenge white male oppression in the wilds of Tasmania, circa 1825, to a boy's touching relationship with a pelican in coastal South Australia."
And the winners are:
BEST FILM - The Nightingale - Producers: Kristina Ceyton, Steve Hutensky, Jennifer Kent, Bruna Papandrea
BEST DIRECTOR - David Michôd - The King
BEST ACTOR - Damon Herriman - Judy & Punch
BEST ACTRESS - Aisling Franciosi - The Nightingale
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY - Ben Nott ACS - Danger Close: The Battle Of Long Tan
BEST SCREENPLAY - David Michôd and Joel Edgerton - The King
BEST EDITING - Veronika Jenet ASE - Danger Close: The Battle Of Long Tan
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE - Caitlin Yeo - Danger Close: The Battle Of Long Tan
BEST ACTOR, SUPPORTING ROLE - Joel Edgerton - The King
BEST ACTRESS, SUPPORTING ROLE - Ursula Yovich - Top End Wedding
BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY (Shared Award)
The Final Quarter - Director: Ian Darling, Producers: Mary Macrae and Ian Darling
Martha: A Picture Story - Director: Selina Miles, Producer: Daniel Joyce