Pop Smart - The critics’ picks, closer to home: SEFCA

(Photo © 2007 Miramax Films)

The 2007 film awards keep rolling in, but this time it’s with a little local flavor. The Southeastern Film Critics Association — of which CL’s Felicia Feaster and Curt Holman are members — announced its selections today. Yet again, No Country for Old Men won for Best Picture, as well as Best Director (Joel and Ethan Coen), Best Adapted Screenplay (the Coens again), and Best Supporting Actor (Javier Bardem, who was truly creepy).

Interestingly, No Country for Old Men was the only multiple-award winner, which shows that while it’s done very well in this early part of the awards season, there may be no other clear challenger for Best Picture (yet).

We may have our critics’ ballots posted later. But I did find it fascinating, according to SEFCA’s press release, that Amy Ryan (Gone Baby Gone) nudged out Cate Blanchett (I’m Not There) by one point. I thought as good as Ryan was, Blanchett was brilliant and a hands-down winner.

The Wyatt Award, which honors a film “that best embodies the essence of the South,” was given to Waitress, a comedy-drama by the late writer/director/actress Adrienne Shelly.

Below is a complete list of the winners.