Film Critics Group Picks ‘Out Of Sight’ As Best

On the third round of balloting Sunday, the National Society of Film Critics voted Steven Soderbergh’s “Out of Sight” the best picture of 1998, beating out Paul Schrader’s “Affliction” and Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan.”

In the director category, independent veteran Soderbergh also edged out Spielberg and “The Thin Red Line” helmer Terrence Malick as best director.

In addition, Scott Frank took best screenplay honors for adapting “Out of Sight” from an Elmore Leonard book, beating out Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard for “Shakespeare in Love” and Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson for “Rushmore.”

The threefold recognition should boost the Oscar chances for Universal’s George Clooney-topped thriller, which also won best picture honors last month from the Boston Society of Film Critics.

Now in its 33rd year, the National Society of Film Critics is composed of 51 critics from major national publications.

“Ryan” has dominated the awards derby so far, picking up five Golden Globe nominations, including best picture and director, as well as nods from both the New York and Los Angeles critics’ groups.

The National Society of Film Critics also named Nick Nolte as best actor for Lions Gate’s “Affliction,” ahead of Ian McKellen for “Gods and Monsters” and Irish actor Brendan Gleeson for “The General” and “I Went Down.” Nolte also earned a Golden Globe nomination and best actor nod from the New York critics.

Ally Sheedy, who played a drug-addicted lesbian in October’s “High Art,” outpolled Cate Blanchett for the historical drama “Elizabeth” and Fernanda Montenegro for the Brazilian film “Central Station.” Sheedy has also been recognized by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.

Best supporting actor honors went to Bill Murray for playing the daffy tycoon who mentors a high schooler in the comedy “Rushmore.” Murray, a Golden Globe nominee who was honored for his work by the New York and Los Angeles critics, beat Donald Sutherland for “Without Limits” and Billy Bob Thornton for “A Simple Plan.”

Judi Dench claimed best supporting actress for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth in the period romantic comedy “Shakespeare in Love.” The Golden Globe nominee edged out Patricia Clarkson for “High Art” and Lisa Kudrow for “The Opposite of Sex.”

The cinematography prize went to John Toll for “The Thin Red Line,” ahead of Janusz Kaminski for “Saving Private Ryan” and Seamus Deasy for “The General.”

Voting in the foreign-language film category yielded some surprises, with Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami’s Cannes winner “The Taste of Cherry” outdrawing Takeshi Kitano’s “Fireworks” and Danish director Thomas Vinterberg’s “The Celebration.”