Area critics pick year’s top films

The Kansas City Film Critics Circle met on Monday to issue its 36th annual awards. The group was comprised of 16 area critics in print, radio, television and online, including Jon Niccum from the Journal-World. Winners included:

Best Picture: “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”

Best Director: Peter Jackson, “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”

Best Actor: Denzel Washington, “Training Day”

Best Actress: Nicole Kidman, “The Others”

Best Supporting Actor: Steve Buscemi, “Ghost World”

Best Supporting Actress: (tie) Jennifer Connelly, “A Beautiful Mind”; Maggie Smith, “Gosford Park”

Best Foreign Language Film: “Ame” (France)

Best Documentary: “Startup.com”

Best Animated Film: “Shrek”