Parasite – Bong Joon-ho’s devastating satire on the devotion families can share – swept the top honors this evening when the Houston Film Critics Society presented its 13th Annual Movie Awards at a ceremony at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
The Korean film was honored as Best Picture and Best Foreign Language Film with Director Bong Joon-ho named the tops in his category by the prestigious organization of film journalists.
“With Parasite winning both the Best Picture and Best Foreign Language Film categories, the stage is set for a showdown as awards season reaches its peak,” says Doug Harris, President of the organization. “And, at a time when many debate the relative merits of large and small movie screens, this original look at family dynamics reconfirms, regardless of the size of a screen, that the story a movie tells is what matters.”
Family relationships inspired three acting winners, as well, with Adam Driver named Best Actor for Marriage Story, Renée Zellweger winning Best Actress for Judy, and Zhao Shuzhen named Best Supporting Actress for The Farewell. Brad Pitt was named Best Supporting Actor for Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.
The Society presents its awards after thoroughly reviewing the year’s films. It selects nominees in mid-December before casting final votes in 18 categories late in the year. Among the honors is the Texas Independent Film Award for the best film made in Texas. Awarded to Bull, a popular feature at the Cannes Film Festival, the film was made in and around Houston. The society’s Texas Independent Film Visionary Award was given to Tim Tsai, director of TIFA nominee Seadrift.
“While the TIFA reflects the Society’s commitment to movie making in the State,” Harris continued, “the Society showcased its passion for international film by inviting consulate representatives to participate in the announcement the Best Foreign Language Film award” Attending were Alexis Andrews, Consul General of France; Consul Sungjo Yoon, Korean Consulate General; Robert Rusiecki, Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Houston; Masse Seye, President, Houston Senegalese Society; and Jesús Chico, Education Advisor, Consulate of Spain.
In an evening filled with special moments, the standing ovation that welcomed Roger Corman to the podium was the highlight of the evening. In his gracious acceptance of the Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Corman reminded the audience that his first industry related job was as a film critic for a local newspaper. Corman was presented with an original stainless sculpture, commissioned by the HFCS from artist Adam Homan. Standing 10” tall on a circular base, the trophy was crafted using an early Wollensak camera, with fingers, arms and legs added to resemble an alien creature.
The Society followed its Corman salute with the introduction of its first spotlight on Best Stunt Team Coordination. The inaugural award was dedicated to the life and work of Hal Needham, the late actor, director and pioneering stuntman. Present for the announcement was his wife, Ellyn Needham, who shared “envelope duties” with HFCS member Nguyen Le as John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum was announced as the winner.
Additional highlights of the show included life performances of all six nominees in the Best Original Song category, a show open featuring Miss Houston USA Blaine Ochoa and, for the first time in the organization’s history, representation of all TIFA nominated films in the audience.
Following the award ceremonies, the crowd of movie fans, moviemaker and movie critics moved across the street to the Hotel ZaZa’s Ultimate Ransom Room for celebratory cocktails and a silent auction of movie memorabilia.
The HFCS 13th Annual Movie Awards are underwritten by The Keystone Family of Companies, Balcones Distilling, the Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District, and Gow Media.
13th Annual Houston Film Critics Society Award Winners
Picture: Parasite
Director: Bong Joon-ho, Parasite
Actor: Adam Driver, Marriage Story
Actress: Renée Zellweger, Judy
Supporting Actor: Brad Pitt, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood
Supporting Actress: Zhao Shuzhen, The Farewell
Screenplay: Knives Out
Cinematography: 1917
Animated Feature: Toy Story 4
Original Score: 1917
Original Song: Glasgow, Wild Rose
Foreign Language Film: Parasite
Documentary Feature: Apollo 11
Texas Independent Film Award: Bull
Texas Independent Film Visionary: Tim Tsai; Seadrift
Visual Effects: 1917
Stunt Coordination Team: John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum
Movie Poster Art: Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood
Lifetime Achievement Award: Roger Corman
Outstanding Achievement Award: Trey Edward Shults
About The Houston Film Critics Society
The forty members of the Houston Film Critics Society are working film journalists on television, radio, online and in traditional print. Together, they reach millions of people each week across the United States with their critiques and commentaries on film. The organization’s mission is to promote the advancement and appreciation of film in the Houston community and beyond. For additional information and a list of members, visit www.HoustonFilmCritics.com.
