The Descendants, Moneyball Among Los Angeles and Boston Film Critics Winners

Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain The Descendants and The Artist were among the big winners from a group of film critics circles, which announced their selections Sunday. The Los Angeles Film Critics Association named The Descendants the Best Picture of the Year and awarded The Tree of Life's Terrence Malick the Best Director. The film's star Brad Pitt was recognized as Best Actor by the Boston Society of Film Critics, but for his performance in Moneyball. That group also selected The Artist as Best Picture, and Martin Scorsese Best Director for Hugo. Homeland, Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones top WGA and PGA nods The Descendants, The Tree of Life, Moneyball and Hugo were also all among the American Film Institute's movies of the year. (The group doesn't rank them.) The Artist was given a special award, as was the Harry Potter series, which wrapped earlier this year. See a partial list of the winners below. Click here, here and here for the full lists. Los Angeles Film Critics: Best picture - The Descendants Best director- Terrence Malick, The Tree of Life Best actor - Michael Fassbender, A Dangerous Method, Jane Eyre, Shame and X-Men: First Class Best actress -Yun Jung-hee, Poetry Best supporting actor - Christopher Plummer, Beginners Best supporting actress - Jessica Chastain, Coriolanus, The Debt, The Help, Take Shelter, Texas Killing Fields and The Tree of Life Boston Film Critics: Best picture - The Artist Best director- Martin Scorsese, Hugo Best actor - Brad Pitt, Moneyball Best actress - Michelle Williams, My Week with Marilyn Best supporting actor - Albert Brooks, Drive Best supporting actress - Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids AFI Bridesmaids The Descendants The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo The Help Hugo J. Edgar Midnight in Paris Moneyball The Tree of Life War Horse