Boston crix tap Spielberg

By DANIEL M. KIMMEL

Steven Spielberg finally got the recognition that had eluded him in the year-end voting of the critics of New York, Los Angeles and the National Board of Review when the Boston Society of Film Critics named him best director in their annual balloting Dec. 19.

His film "Schindler's List" was named top picture and received kudos for supporting actor Ralph Fiennes and cinematographer Janusz Kaminski.

Holly Hunter got the nod for actress, the only recognition"The Piano" received in the voting. Daniel Day-Lewis was named best actor for "In the Name of the Father."

Altman and Frank Barhydt were the critics' choice for the screenplay prize, as "Short Cuts" was honored for turning a dozen Raymond Carver stories into what director Altman called "Carver soup."

Rosie Perez won as supporting actress on four ballots, the most of any category. "Farewell My Concubine" edged out "Like Water for Chocolate" for foreign-language film, while "Visions of Light" bested "The War Room" for best docu.

"Schindler" edged out "The Piano" and "Short Cuts" for the film nod, and Spielberg beat out directors Jane Campion and Robert Altman.

The National Society of Film Critics will weigh in with its picks in early January.