Nomadland Named Best of 2020 by Houston Film Critics Society
Society to broadcast award salute on January 31

No one can argue that 2020 has been a bizarre year in cinema. A global pandemic held back many of the biggest studio releases, and creators scrambled to deliver their creations to waiting audiences. While the repercussions (reaper cushions?) of necessary industry changes have slowed Hollywood down, it has by no means stopped it… and in some ways perhaps begun its reinvention anew.

The following are those 2020 films recognized by the Houston Film Critics Society (of which I am a member) we felt worthy of your attention.

From the press release:

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 18, 2021) — Chloé Zhao’s character study Nomadland has been named the year’s Best Picture by the Houston Film Critics Society.

In the Society’s 14th annual awards, Zhao was also named Best Director for this meaningful look at a woman’s journey through isolation and survival while Joshua James Richards was honored for the film’s cinematography.

“While 2020 may have seen changes in how we view movies, the year should be remembered for the quality of those films that ultimately reached audiences,” observed Society President Doug Harris. “It may have been a bit tougher to see some of these remarkable films, but the wait and the effort were worth it. And that’s the message our Society members take to their listeners, viewers and readers.”

“We look forward to further spotlighting all of our award winners,” says Harris, “during our first television broadcast on January 31, 4 p.m. CST, on Houston’s KUBE 57. That programming will also celebrate our Texas Independent Film Award nominees and feature the announcement of the winners of our special honors for filmmaking in the state.”

The 40 members of the Houston Film Critics Society are working film journalists on television, radio, online and in traditional print. Together, they reach millions of people each week across the United States with their critiques and commentaries on film. The organization’s mission is to promote the advancement and appreciation of film in the Houston community and beyond. For a list of members, visit www.HoustonFilmCritics.com.

2020 Houston Film Critic Society Awards

Best Picture: Nomadland
Best Director: Chloé Zhao, Nomadland
Best Actor in a Leading Role: Riz Ahmed, Sound of Metal
Best Actress in a Leading Role: Carey Mulligan, Promising Young Woman
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Leslie Odom Jr., One Night in Miami
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Maria Bakalova, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
Best Original Screenplay: Promising Young Woman
Best Animated Feature: Soul
Best Cinematography: Nomadland
Best Documentary Feature: My Octopus Teacher
Best Foreign Language Feature: A Sun (Taiwan)
Best Original Score: Soul
Best Original Song: One Night in Miami, “Speak Now”
Best Visual Effects: Tenet
Best Stunt Coordination Team: Tenet
Best Movie Poster Art: Da 5 Bloods
Outstanding Cinematic Achievement: Sound of Metal (for its Immersive Sound Design)

Texas Independent Film Awards: To be announced January 31.