The Critics’ Choice Film Awards, which aired January 12, 2012, are a coveted, respected seal of approval, even though the ceremony receives much less fanfare and coverage than the Oscars or Golden Globes. 2011 was an outstanding year for quality motion pictures, which included an impressive display of young talent that shined throughout the nominated and winning films.
Shining Performances From Young Talent
14-year-old Asa Butterfield, who was up for an award in the Best Young Actor/Actress category for “Hugo,” shared the honor with fellow nominees Elle Fanning, 13 (“Super 8″); Ezra Miller, 19 (“We Need to Talk About Kevin”); Saroise Ronan, 17 (“Hanna”); and Thomas Horn, who won for his work in “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.” Asa Butterfield’s co-star in “Hugo,” Chloe Moretz, 14, was not nominated for this year’s Critics’ Choice Awards, but she received a People’s Choice for her authentic contribution to the film.
“The Tree of Life,” recognized by the 17th annual celebration for several awards, co-stars Hunter McCracken, who played Brad Pitt’s son Jack in the film. Steven Spielberg’s “War Horse” featured another young star, Jeremy Irvine. Alex Shaffer, 18, who was a real-life New Jersey high-school wrestler pulled from obscurity, starred alongside Paul Giamatti in “Win Win.”
“The Muppets” movie was a big hit with children of all ages, and the tune “Life’s a Happy Song,” performed by Jason Segel, Amy Adams, and Walter, won Best Song. “Man or Muppet” and “Pictures in My Head” were also recognized.
Elle Fanning and Red Carpet Moments
I believe all of us writers, critics, and audience members should pay especially close attention to all the nominees from the Best Young Actor/Actress category. Keep a special eye out for Elle Fanning, who, like her sister Dakota, shows onscreen maturity beyond her years, delivering heart-felt and powerful performances. Ellie, along with costars Joel Courtney and Ryan Lee (both 16); Zach Miler, 17; and Gabriel Basso were encouraged by director J.J. Abrams to act like kids onscreen in order to capture authenticity in the movie.
Elle was quoted on the red carpet event prior to the 2012 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards as saying “We had the best time. J.J. actually wanted the kids in the movie to make films. We got to make a Super 8 film.” When asked what’s ahead for her, she replied “I’m going to London to do a movie called “Bomb.”
“Super 8″ costar Joel Courtney, during the red carpet interview, said, “On set, we just became one big family.” He also said his favorite Steven Spielberg film is “E.T. the Extra Terrestrial.”
Other notable Critics’ Choice winners included:
Best Picture – “The Artist”
Best Actor – George Clooney – “The Descendants”
Best Actress – Viola Davis – “The Help”
Best Supporting Actor – Christopher Plummer – “Beginners”
Best Supporting Actress – Octavia Spencer – “The Help”
Best Director – Michel Hazanavicius – “The Artist”
Best Original Screenplay “Midnight in Paris” – Woody Allen
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