Belfast has won an award for best picture at the Movies for Grown-ups Awards – putting a lease on Power of the Dog.
Ahead of the star-studded Oscars, which takes place on March 28, Kenneth Brannagh semi-autobiographical film picked up the top accolade at the ceremony, which champions movies for audiences over 50.
The ceremony advocates “fighting industry ageism and encouraging films that resonate with mature viewers.”
Apple TV’s Richmond-based comedy series Ted Lasso, starring Jason Sudeikis, Brett Goldstein and Hannah Waddingham won best TV series.
The winners were announced during a virtual event broadcast on PBS and hosted by Alan Cumming on Friday.
It comes after Jude Hill won Best Young Actor at the Critic Choice Awards for his role in Belfast.
With awards season for the TV and movie industry well underway, Belfast is continuing the momentum ahead of the Oscars in under a fortnight’s time.
And while Branagh was in London’s Royal Albert Hall picking up a Bafta for Outstanding British Film, the youngest star of the movie was in LA stealing the show at the Critics’ Choice Awards.
Jude, 11, accepted the Best Young Actor award, one of three honours for Belfast at the glitzy ceremony in the Century Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles last week.
Branagh’s ode to his home city led the way with eleven nominations at the ceremony along with Stephen Spielberg’s musical re-working of West Side Story.
It landed awards for Best Ensemble Cast and Best Original Screenplay, boosting hopes of further success when the movie world gathers on March 27 for the 94th Academy Awards
But it was Gilford-born Jude who stole the hearts of Tinseltown, telling LA that his little brother and sister, Jonah and Georgia, are now trying to follow him into the world of acting.
Jude appeared stunned on stage as he collected the award, telling audiences: “I’m gonna be completely honest, I have nothing prepared.”
He thanked his cast-mates, his mother and father, and singled out director Kenneth, adding: “I love you so much, thank you for choosing me.”
But he also had a word for his younger brother and sister.
“Thanks to my mum and dad for always being there and letting me go down this path in the first place,” said Jude. “And thanks to my little sister and my little brother Jonah. They’ve actually both been getting into acting as well. Copycats!”
