‘Brokeback Mountain’ beats ‘King Kong’ to the top

‘Brokeback Mountain’ has scooped two of the top accolades at the 26th Awards of the London Film Critics’ Circle.
The Hollywood blockbuster, which has already won four Golden Globes and secured eight Oscar nominations, came away with Film of the Year and Director of the Year for Ang Lee.
The awards were presented on February 8 2006 at a ceremony held in aid of the NSPCC at London’s Dorchester Hotel.
William Russell, the Awards chairman, said: “Brokeback Mountain has all the ingredients of a classic love story, except that the lovers are two young ranch hands who fall in love one summer while herding sheep, but go on to marry and have children, while continuing to meet over the years. Ang Lee has succeeded in presenting this highly controversial situation in an intelligent and sensitive fashion, and secured outstanding performances from the entire cast. It is a feat which has been rightly recognised this evening.”
In the other two big awards of the evening, Bruno Ganz came away with Actor of the Year for his portrayal of Adolf Hitler in ‘Downfall’. It is the first time that a non-British actor has won this award. Naomi Watts was named Actress of the Year for her role in ‘King Kong’, but this accolade for the leading lady was the only honour for Peter Jackson’s latest venture.
‘The Constant Gardener’ enjoyed a triumphant evening, picking up four awards including British Actress for Rachel Weisz, British Actor for Ralph Fiennes, British Producer of the Year for Simon Channing Williams and The Attenborough Award, which was presented to the film’s director, Fernando Meirelles.
Thandie Newton scooped Actress in Supporting Role for her performance in ‘Crash’ and was joined by Tom Hollander as Actor in Supporting Role for ‘Pride and Prejudice’.
The Dilys Powell Award for outstanding contribution to cinema was presented to director Bryan Forbes, whose work includes ‘Whistle down the Wind’ and the original ‘The Stepford Wives’.
Awards bestowed by the London Film Critics’ Circle recognise the best in British and international film talent and are the only film awards that raise money for charity.
(GB)