African-American critics pick 'Debaters'

Cheadle, Cotillard honored for 'Talk,' 'Rose'

By STUART LEVINE

"The Great Debaters" was named top film of the year by the African-American Film Critics Assn.

Don Cheadle was tabbed best actor for his work in "Talk to Me" and Marion Cotillard was named best actress for "La Vie en Rose." In the supporting categories, Ruby Dee and Chiwetel Ejiofor were selected for their performances in "American Gangster."

Kasi Lemmons was named top director for "Talk to Me" and Charles Burnett received the Special Achievement Honor for his film "Killer of Sheep," which premiered in 1977.

The group's top-10 films: "The Great Debaters," "American Gangster," "Talk to Me," "Gone Baby Gone," "No Country for Old Men," "Michael Clayton," "Juno," "Sweeney Todd," "Things We Lost in the Fire" and "There Will Be Blood."

Best Picture:
The Great Debaters

Best Actor: Don Cheadle, 'Talk to Me'

Best Actress: Marion Cotillard, 'La Vie En Rose'

Best Supporting Actor: Ruby Dee, 'American Gangster'

Best Supporting Actress: Chiwetel Ejiofor, 'American Gangster'

Top Ten Films of the Year:

1. Great Debaters
2. American Gangster
3. Talk To Me
4. Gone Baby Gone
5. No Country for Old Men
6. Michael Clayton
7. Juno
8. Sweeney Todd
9. Things We Lost in The Fire
10. There Will Be Blood