Celebrating its golden jubilee, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA) has unveiled its 2024 winners. This prestigious critics group has long set the bar for cinematic excellence, and this year is no exception. Known for embracing innovation, LAFCA's adoption of gender-neutral acting categories continues to lead the industry forward.
Founded in 1974, LAFCA has consistently highlighted remarkable cinematic achievements. This year's ceremony not only commemorates its 50th anniversary but also reflects ongoing trends in diversity and inclusivity within the film industry. Past winners such as “Everything Everywhere All At Once” and “The Zone of Interest” have set high standards, and 2024's winners add to this legacy.
Winners and Highlights
- Best Lead Performance: Marianne Jean-Baptiste (HARD TRUTHS) and Mikey Madison (ANORA) shared the award, delivering performances that critics have hailed as transformative. Runners-up Demi Moore (THE SUBSTANCE) and Fernanda Torres (I'M STILL HERE) also delivered standout performances.
- Best Supporting Performance: Yura Borisov (ANORA) and Kieran Culkin (A REAL PAIN) secured top honors, demonstrating exceptional talent. Notable mentions include Clarence Maclin (SING SING) and Adam Pearson (A DIFFERENT MAN).
- Best Animation: FLOW took the crown, with CHICKEN FOR LINDA as a runner-up. Both films pushed the boundaries of animated storytelling.
- Best Editing: A rare tie saw Nicholas Monsour (NICKEL BOYS) and Hansjörg Weißbrich (SEPTEMBER 5) recognized for their masterful work.
- Best Production Design: Judy Becker's work on THE BRUTALIST earned top honors, with Adam Stockhausen's BLITZ as runner-up.
- Best Music/Score: The hauntingly brilliant score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for CHALLENGERS emerged victorious, with Eiko Ishibashi's EVIL DOES NOT EXIST earning runner-up.
- Best Cinematography: Jomo Fray (NICKEL BOYS) took home the prize, with Lol Crawley (THE BRUTALIST) close behind.
LAFCA's continued recognition of diverse and boundary-pushing work reflects the evolving landscape of modern cinema. The gender-neutral acting categories, introduced three years ago, are a powerful statement toward inclusivity and equity, offering a broader lens to evaluate talent.
As LAFCA celebrates its 50th anniversary, this year's winners underscore the enduring power of storytelling and innovation in film. These honorees not only define the best of 2024 but also hint at exciting possibilities for cinema's future.
My Impressions: The 2024 LAFCA winners highlight a commitment to celebrating art that challenges and inspires. Marianne Jean-Baptiste's performance in HARD TRUTHS is a masterclass in emotional depth, and the tie in Best Editing showcases the breadth of talent in today's industry. The continued push for inclusivity, through gender-neutral categories, is a model other organizations should consider. It's thrilling to see a blend of established and emerging voices shaping the industry's future.
Which 2024 LAFCA winner are you most excited about, and how do you feel gender-neutral categories are shaping awards in the film industry?
