Southeastern Film Critics Association’s got Milk for Best Picture
The Southeastern Film Critics Association (SEFCA), who’s members include current and former ‘Creative Loafing’ writers, announces its picks for the best films of 2008.
The Southeastern Film Critics Association (SEFCA), whose members include Creative Loafing Atlanta’s Curt Holman and former critic Felicia Feaster as well as Creative Loafing Charlotte’s Matt Brunson, yesterday named Milk the Best Picture of 2008 in its 17th annual voting. Director Gus Van Sant’s powerful look at slain activist Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to hold public office in the nation, earned a total of three awards, with its other victories coming in the categories of Best Actor (Sean Penn, pictured) and Best Original Screenplay (Dustin Lance Black).
The uplifting drama Slumdog Millionaire proved to be the only other film snagging more than one prize, as it copped awards for Best Director (Danny Boyle) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Simon Beaufoy, adapting Vikas Swarup’s novel Q&A).
In the closest contest of the day, Anne Hathaway received the Best Actress award for her performance as a recovering addict in Rachel Getting Married; she beat The Reader’s Kate Winslet by two points. Winslet also earned multiple votes for her work in Revolutionary Road. (The Reader and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button open in Atlanta on Dec. 25. Other strong contenders such as Revolutionary Road and The Wrestler open in early January.)
The late Heath Ledger won Best Supporting Actor for his mesmerizing take on The Joker in the summer blockbuster The Dark Knight, while Penelope Cruz earned Best Supporting Actress kudos for her turn as a feisty free spirit in Vicky Cristina Barcelona.