'Carol' named best film of 2015 by NY Film Critics Circle

The Weinstein Company's "Carol," has been receiving a lot of Oscar buzz and it has just been named best film of the year by the New York Film Critics Circle (as released on their website today). With this declaration, "Carol," has just increased its chances for Best Film consideration by the Academy Awards. Winners of the New York Film Critics Circle are selected by critics from daily newspapers, magazines, weekly newspapers and qualifying on-line general-interest publications in the New Your area.

Not only was "Carol," named best film, but the film also was honored for Best Direction by Todd Haynes, Best Screenplay to Phyllis Nagy for adapting the novel "The Price of Salt," by Patricia Highsmith and Best Cinematography to Edward Lachman for capturing the ultimate Todd Haynes look. "Spotlight," which was the darling at the Gotham Awards, only got one honor, which was for Michael Keaton for Best Actor.

"Brooklyn's" star Saoirse Ronan was named Best Actress, which is the first attention that she has received so far at the beginning of award season. The supporting acting honors went to Mark Rylance for "Bridge of Spies," which is the first time his name has been recognized this year and to Kristen Stewart for "Clouds Sils Maria," which was released earlier in the year.

Missing from this list is Leonardo DiCaprio, that many critics think has got the Best Actor Oscar in the bag, Brie Larson for her stirring performance in "Room," or even the early buzz-worthy performance by Lily Tomlin in "Grandma."

Here is a complete list of the winners:

Best Picture

"Carol"

Best Director

Todd Haynes

"Carol"

Best Screenplay

"Carol"

Best Actress

Saoirse Ronan

"Brooklyn"

Best Actor

Michael Keaton

"Spotlight"

Best Supporting Actress

Kristen Stewart

"Clouds of Sils Maria"

Best Supporting Actor

Mark Rylance

"Bridge of Spies"

Best Cinematographer

Edward Lachman

"Carol"

Best Animated Film

"Inside Out"

Best Non-Fiction Film (Documentary)

"In Jackson Heights"

Best Foreign Film

"Timbuktu"

Best First Film

László Nemes

"Son of Saul"

Special Award

William Becker and Janus Films

Special Award

Ennio Morricone