Los Angeles / New York (dpa) – The drama “Tàr” received more awards in the USA, thus increasing its chances in the current trophy race. The New York Film Critics Association NYFCC (New York Film Critics Circle) named director Todd Field’s best film of the year.

Also, leading actress Cate Blanchett was named Best Actress. In “Tàr” she plays the fictional chief conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic, whose life spirals out of control. Irish actor Colin Farrell won the best actor award for his roles in “After Yang” and “The Banshees of Inishrein”. Winners announced on Friday (local time).

Founded in 1935, the NYFCC Critics Association’s trophies are the first of many film awards ceremonies to be presented in the coming months. Winners are often among the nominees for the Oscars held in March. For example, last year, the critics organization named “Drive My Car” as the best picture. The Japanese drama Ryusuke Hamaguchi was later nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture, and eventually Best International Feature Film.