Best Picture: Fruitvale Station
Snubbed by the Oscars mainly because it didn't campaign for its own inclusion/bribe the Oscar committee for a nomination. But Michael B. Jordan's performance as Oscar Grant III on that fateful New Years Eve at Fruitvale BART station was sensational and yet heart-breaking. Whilst the tension throughout the final 20mins is superbly shot.
Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan (Fruitvale Station)
A real breakthrough performance on the big screen as he lives the final 24 hours in the life of Oscar Grant III who was unlawfully murdered. As he tries to leave behind his troubled past and moved onto a better life for him and his daughter it makes for sobering viewing.
Best Actress: Scarlett Johansson (Her)
The husky dulcet tones of Johansson lend a lot of credibility to the entire premise of Her. The fact she has such depth to her voice and feelings despite not having a physical form makes the entire concept of a relationship with a computer feel so much more realistic and possible. Her interactions with Joaquin Phoenix's character as well as the ups and downs could be representative of any relationship between a couple.
Best Supporting Actor: Vithaya Pansringarm (Only God Forgives)
The first film to bring Ryan Gosling and Nicholas Winding Refn together divided critics but it was the performance of the lesser known Vithaya Pansringarm which was where its true strength lied. The unrelenting almost heartless performance as the police office and self appointed angel of vengeance also showed a softer side during some rather odd karaoke routines in a local bar.
Best Supporting Actress: June Squibb (Nebraska)
Genuinely a weak category this year but June Squibb added a touch of familiar humour to the road drama of Nebraska. Her lack of tolerance towards her husbands Alzheimers and inexcusable behaviour at times over the years truly uplifts the entire movie whilst giving it a different edge.
Best Director: Alfonso Cuáron (Gravity)
Between the special effects and cinematography as well as the personal interactions between Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, Alfonso Cuáron created something unique in the field of cinema that arks back to the ground breaking sci-fi classic like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Solaris.
The Christ Rock in Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back Award (Best small role/cameo): John Goodman (Inside Llewyn Davis)
Rob Lowe nearly stole this just for the work done to make his face look so warped from plastic surgery but the bitingly funny cameo from Goodman was true genius. His mocking of folk music and general disdain for those around him made for an intriguing middle act.
Best Soundtrack: Inside Llewyn Davis
The Coen brothers have helped conjure up a beautiful yet raw sound for this 1960's folk film with excellent vocal performances from Oscar Isaac, Justin Timberlake and Marcus Mumford who co-wrote one of the main songs.
Worst Film: Gangster Squad
Difficult to choose as there were some real stinkers with Ben Affleck and Justin Timberlake just missing the cut with Runner Runner but it was pipped at the post. For some an ensemble cast they should have invested in some better screen writers as the characters were poor whilst the dialogue was hammy and at times laughable. Expected so much more!
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