Indiana Film Journalists pick top films of 2012

I've been a part of the Indiana Film Journalists Assocation, a tribe of scribes dedicated to smart discussion of movies, since its inception.

And one of my favorite times of year is December, when we hurl our opinions at each other to determine what the group will announce as the best film, best performances, etc. of the year.

Almost as much fun: Watching as the blogosophere trashes or praises our picks.

Only one of my top choices landed a first-place slot this year. But I--unlike many politicians--understand and appreciate compromise. Besides, I can share my own opinions through my column. Look in the upcoiming IBJ for thoughts on the films that most impressed, engaged and entertained me.

For now, though, let us know what you think of the IFJA picks. And keep an eye out for future IBJ Night at the Movies sneek previews.

 

Best Film

Winner: "Safety Not Guaranteed"          

Runner-Up: "Beasts of the Southern Wild"

Other Finalists(listed alphabetically):

"Django Unchained"

"Les Misérables"

"Lincoln"

"Moonrise Kingdom"

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower"         

"The Sessions"

"Silver Linings Playbook"

"Zero Dark Thirty"

 

Best Animated Feature

Winner: "Rise of the Guardians"

Runner-Up: "ParaNorman"        

 

Best Foreign Language Film

Winner: "The Raid: Redemption"

Runner-Up: "Amour"

 

Best Documentary

Winner: "Searching for Sugar Man"

Runner-Up: "Room 237"

 

Best Original Screenplay

Winner: Derek Connolly, "Safety Not Guaranteed"       

Runner-Up: Quentin Tarantino, "Django Unchained"

 

Best Adapted Screenplay

Winner: Stephen Chbosky, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower"

Runner-Up: David O. Russell, "Silver Linings Playbook"

 

Best Director

Winner: Quentin Tarantino, "Django Unchained"           

Runner-Up: Kathryn Bigelow, "Zero Dark Thirty"

 

Best Actress

Winner: Jessica Chastain, "Zero Dark Thirty"

Runner-Up: Jennifer Lawrence, "Silver Linings Playbook"         

 

Best Supporting Actress

Winner: Anne Hathaway, "Les Misérables”

Runner-Up: Helen Hunt, “The Sessions”

 

Best Actor

Winners (Tie):

Bradley Cooper, "Silver Linings Playbook"

Daniel Day-Lewis, “Lincoln”

 

Best Supporting Actor

Winner: Tommy Lee Jones, “Lincoln”

Runner-Up: Christoph Waltz, "Django Unchained"

 

Best Musical Score

Winner: Thomas Newman, "Skyfall"     

Runner-Up: Mychael Danna, "Life of Pi"          

 

Original Vision Award

Winner: "Beasts of the Southern Wild"   

Runner-Up: "Django Unchained"

 

The Hoosier Award

Winner: Jon Vickers, Founding Director of Indiana University Cinema

(As a special award, no runner-up is declared in this category.)

 

About IFJA: The Indiana Film Journalists Association was established in February 2009. Members must reside in the Hoosier State and produce consistent, quality film criticism or commentary in any medium. More info here.

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