‘Broadcast News’ Receives Top New York Film Critics’ Awards

“Broadcast News” swept the New York Film Critics Circle Awards on Thursday. The James L. Brooks satirical film about the current state of television news reporting was picked best picture of 1987, and two of its actors took top honors. Brooks also won for best director and best screenwriter for his work on the film.

The New York critics voted Jack Nicholson best actor of the year for his starring roles in “The Witches of Eastwick” and “Ironweed” and for his cameo appearance as a network anchorman in “Broadcast News.” Actor Michael Douglas placed second in the same category for his role in “Wall Street.”

Voted best actress was Holly Hunter, a relative newcomer, for her starring role as a TV news producer in “Broadcast News.” Her only previous major-film role was in the 1986 comedy “Raising Arizona.” Placing second was Christine Lahti for her role in “Housekeeping.”

John Huston’s film adaptation of James Joyce’s “The Dead” finished second in the best picture category, and Huston, who died this year at 81, was runner-up to Brooks for best director.

Vanessa Redgrave was voted best supporting actress for her role in “Prick Up Your Ears,” and Morgan Freeman was named best supporting actor for hers in “Street Smart.”

The New York film critics also named Vittorio Storaro as best cinematographer for “The Last Emperor.” Voted best foreign language film was Lasse Hallstrom’s “My Life As a Dog.”

The critics’ circle, comprised of about 25 magazine and newspaper critics based in New York, did not name a best documentary film.

Los Angeles film critics are to vote on their 1987 choices Saturday.