While individual critics had their favorites to champion, the Houston Film Critics Society (of which my so-called ghostwriter counts himself a member) heaped significant and collective favor upon The Power of the Dog for best director, screenplay, actor, supporting actor, and sharing best score with Dune, Part I. Other standouts included Jessica Chastain for best actress in The Eyes of Tammy Faye and Sean Baker’s Red Rocket winning the Texas Independent Film Award. Although studios continue to hold back releases — because, well, you know — there was still something for everyone in 2021.

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15th Annual Houston Film Critics Society Award Winners

Picture: The Power of the Dog
Director: Jane Campion, The Power of the Dog
Actor: Benedict Cumberbatch, The Power of the Dog
Actress: Jessica Chastain, The Eyes of Tammy Faye
Supporting Actor: Kodi Smit-McPhee, The Power of the Dog
Supporting Actress: Ann Dowd, Mass
Screenplay: Jane Campion, The Power of the Dog
Cinematography: Greig Fraser, Dune
Animated Feature: The Mitchells vs. the Machines
Original Score: (tie) Hans Zimmer, Dune; Jonny Greenwood, The Power of the Dog
Original Song: “Wherever I Fall – Part I,” Cyrano: music by Bryce Dessner and Aaron Dessner; lyrics by Matt Berninger and Carin Besser
Foreign Language Film: Drive My Car
Documentary Feature: Summer of Soul
Texas Independent Film Award: Red Rocket
Visual Effects: Dune: Paul Lambert, Tristan Myles, Brian Connor, and Gerd Nefzer
Stunt Coordination Team: No Time to Die: Matthew Sampson, stunt department manager; Olivier Schneider, supervising stunt coordinator; Leah Breckman, stunt coordinator; Jamie Edgell, assistant stunt coordinator, Yves Girard, stunt coordinator, second unit; Boris Martinez, co-stunt coordinator, second unit; Gabriele Ragusa, it assistant stunt coordinator; Franco Maria Salamon, stunt coordinator, Italy; Patrick Vo, flight choreographer and coordinator; stunt performers
Ensemble Cast: Mass: Reed Birney, Ann Dowd, Jason Isaacs, and Martha Plimpton; Breeda Wool, Michelle N. Carter, Campbell Spoor, Kagen Albright, Michael White
Cinematic Achievement Award: Well Go USA

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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 additional information and a list of members, visit www.HoustonFilmCritics.com.