New York Film Critics Name THE ARTIST Best Picture; Brad Pitt and Meryl Streep Win Top Acting Prizes

Awards season is officially in full-swing, with this morning’s announcements of the Gotham Awards winners and the full list of nominees for the upcoming Independent Spirit Awards. Now it’s the critics’ turn, as the New York Critics Circle have unveiled their list for the best in film of 2011. The Artist took home the top two prizes (Best Picture and Director), solidifying its status as an Oscar frontrunner. Brad Pitt was named Best Actor for his work in Moneyball and The Tree of Life, with the former also taking the Best Screenplay prize for Aaron Sorkin and Steven Zaillian. As for Best Actress, the undeniably talented Meryl Streep took the honor for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady.

In the supporting categories, Albert Brooks was recognized for his dastardly role in Drive, while the prolific Jessica Chastain was named Best Supporting Actress for her work in The Tree of Life, The Help, and Take Shelter. While The Artist was already running into the Oscars with a good deal of steam, Moneyball‘s two wins give the film a much needed boost heading into the thick of awards season. Hit the jump to see the full list of winners.

Best Picture:

The Artist

Best Director:

Michel Hazanavicius – The Artist

Best Screenplay:

Aaron Sorkin and Steven Zaillian – Moneyball

Best Actor:

Brad Pitt – Moneyball, The Tree of Life

Best Actress:

Meryl Streep – The Iron Lady

Best Supporting Actor:

Albert Brooks – Drive

Best Supporting Actress:

Jessica Chastain – The Tree of Life, The Help, Take Shelter

Best Cinematography:

Emmanuel Lubezki – The Tree of Life

Best Nonfiction Film:

Cave of Forgotten Dreams

Best Foreign Language Film:

A Separation

Best First Feature:

Margin Call