Grad Film at London Critics’ Circle Awards

Thursday, Feb 4, 2021

Franches McDormand and Chloe Zhao Photo Courtesy of Joshua James Richards / Searchlight Pictures

Franches McDormand and Chloe Zhao Photo Courtesy of Joshua James Richards / Searchlight Pictures

The London Critics’ Circle Awards has honored Grad Film Alumni in some of their major categories for their 41st ceremony.

Nomadland received five total nominations from the Critics’ Circle, including three for Zhao herself in major categories: Director of the Year, Screenwriter of the Year, and Film of the Year. Alum Joshua James Richards received a Technical Achievement nomination for cinematography, and Frances McDormand was nominated for Actress of the Year. Mcdormand praised Zhao for her work in a statement: “[After viewing Zhao’s The Rider], I wanted to know more about her films. I think that Chloe has a real connection to the cycle of human life and that the exploration of a group of older people – elders, seniors, seasoned people – is part of that landscape too.”

Professor Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods received an Actor of the Year nomination for Delroy Lindo’s performance, and a Supporting Actor of the Year nomination for the late Chadwick Boseman. The film was recently named 2020’s Best Film according to the National Board of Review.

Alum Cathy Yan’s 2020 hit Birds of Prey”received a Technical Achievement nomination.

The London Critics’ Circle Awards will be presented virtually on Feb. 7, 2021.

Read more at Deadline.