Critics champion cinema as art

Orgs set tone for Oscar race

By VARIETY STAFF

Some might consider the picks of the major critics organizations the true barometer of the best in filmmaking, others might dismiss their tastes as pointy-headed elitism. After all, these people aren't even in the biz, but they certainly have their opinions. Regardless of one's view, these groups that help set the tone in determining the front-runners in the Oscar race, starting with the National Board of review's announcement of its winners in early December.

BROADCAST FILM CRITICS ASSN.

Raison d'etre: As the largest film critics org in the United States and Canada, BFCA exists as a primary source of information for today's entertainment consumers.

Genesis: Group was founded in 1995.

Criteria: Members have to be a film critic on a broadcast television station, a regular film reviewer on 10 or more radio stations or on an L.A. or N.Y. station, or an online critic on a select basis.

Ranks: Membership comprises 140 television, radio and online critics in the U.S. and Canada.

Laurels: Its annual Critics Choice Awards honors the finest achievements in filmmaking. Members select up to 10 nominees in the best picture category and assign them a 5-1 point value. The films with the most points are accorded a top 10 designation. All other categories selected on a 3-1 system.

Key dates: Ballots must be returned by Dec. 18. Winners will be announced Jan. 22 at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Topper: President, Joey Berlin

Contact: Joey Berlin, [phone]

Web site: www.bfca.org (to be launched Dec. 11)

LOS ANGELES FILM

CRITICS ASSN.

Raison d'etre: Org is dedicated to recognizing film art through awards and special events.

Genesis: Group was founded in 1975 and first awards were handed out the same year.

Criteria: Members vote in applicants to the association.

Ranks: Group has 51 members; rolls comprise critics for Los Angeles-area periodicals, and TV and radio outlets.

Laurels: All awards are voted on by entire membership; committees for experimental-independent films and documentaries make recommendations to the general assembly.

Key dates: Award winners will be announced Dec. 16. Awards ceremony will be held Jan. 17 at the Bel-Age Hotel in West Hollywood.

Topper: President, Manohla Dargis

Contact: Jean Oppenheimer, [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

NATIONAL BOARD OF REVIEW

Raison d'etre: New York-based org recognizes and publicizes quality in domestic and international cinema, and publishes Films in Review journal.

Genesis: Group was founded in 1908 as the National Board of Censorship of Motion Pictures (an ancestor of the Motion Picture Assn. of America). In 1915, it shifted its focus to single out "morally right" pics. First published lists of "exceptional photoplays" came in 1920; awards officially began nine years later.

Criteria: Membership is by sponsorship of a current member.

Ranks: Group has approximately 150 members; rolls comprise critics, journalists and other individuals "involved with film."

Laurels: Awards in the major categories, including the annual top 10 list of pics, are voted on by entire membership. Honorary awards (including career achievement and the Billy Wilder award for film direction) are decided by the board of directors based upon recommendations from the exceptional photoplay committee.

Key dates: Awards will be announced in early December and will be distributed at Tavern on the Green in January.

Topper: President, Lois Balon

Contact: Robin Little, [phone]

NATIONAL SOCIETY OF FILM CRITICS

Raison d'etre: Org promotes the mutual interests of film criticism and filmmaking; also publishes movie-related books and holds a seat on the National Film Registry board.

Genesis: Group was founded in 1966; first awards were given that year.

Criteria: Membership is by vote of the society.

Ranks: Org has 51 members; rolls comprise critics for newspapers, magazines and journals throughout the country.

Laurels: Awards are voted by general membership during an assembly at the Sardi's restaurant. Committees make recommendations for the experimental and nonfiction awards.

Key dates: Awards will be announced Jan. 6.

Toppers: Chairman, Peter Rainer; executive director, Elizabeth Weiss

Contact: Elizabeth Weiss, [phone]

NEW YORK FILM CRITICS CIRCLE

Raison d'etre: Org recognizes the best films and filmmakers of the year, and promotes the art of film criticism.

Genesis: Group was founded in and gave out its first awards in 1935.

Criteria: Membership is by vote of the circle.

Ranks: Group has 36 members; rolls include critics for daily and weekly publications based in New York.

Laurels: All awards are voted on by the membership, at Sardi's restaurant.

Key dates: Awards will be announced Dec. 13. and the gala will be Jan. 14 at Windows on the World.

Toppers: Chairman, David Sterritt; vice chair, John Anderson

Contact: David Sterritt, [phone]