PARASITE AND KNIVES OUT LEAD ALL WINNERS AND FEMALE FILMMAKERS ARE CELEBRATED AT THE 4TH ANNUAL FILM AWARDS FROM THE CHICAGO INDIE CRITICS

I was among the 20 prolific members of Chicago Indie Critics who cast their final ballots last week to declare the winners of 23 categories for their fourth annual film awards.  At a special ceremony open to the public last evening at the Cards Against Humanity Theater in Chicago hosted by stand-up comedienne and former film critic Katie Baker, the CIC film critics, fans, and guests gathered to celebrate milestones, commiserate among peers and professionals, and honor the very best from 2019.  The event was streamed live over the CIC YouTube channel.

Two fine films emerged with the most wins and top victories.  Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite from Neon and Rian Johnson’s Knives Out from Lionsgate each won four CIC Awards.  Little Women and 1917 followed closely, each winning three awards respectively. 

In two special CIC Award categories of distinction, two top female filmmakers and what they stand for were celebrated.  The Trailblazer Award honoring the work of an artist who pushed the boundaries of the medium was awarded to Greta Gerwig.  Additionally, Lulu Wang, the writer/director of The Farewell, was voted the recipient of the Impact Award.  That honor celebrates a person whose work has had a positive impact on society.  It was a special night to laud and appreciate the work of female creators such as these two honorees.