Toronto critics raise glass to ‘Sideways’

TORONTO - Toronto movie critics jumped on the “Sideways” bandwagon Tuesday, naming the Fox Searchlight comedy as their best film of 2004.

Falling in line with critics groups in New York, Los Angeles, Boston and San Francisco, the Toronto Film Critics Assn. toasted Paul Giamatti as best actor and Virginia Madsen as best supporting actress for their turns in “Sideways,” a quirky buddy picture set in southern California’s wine country.

The film also leads the field for both the Golden Globes and the Independent Spirits.

The TFCA, representing 29 film critics in Toronto, also hailed “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” helmer Michel Gondry with the best director award and Charlie Kaufman with the honor for best screenplay.

Imelda Staunton was given the best actress award for her role in Mike Leigh’s 1950s abortion drama “Vera Drake” and Clive Owen the best supporting actor award for his role in “Closer.”

The TFCA also honored Joshua Marston’s “Maria Full of Grace” with the best first feature award, gave best animated feature and best Canadian film to “The Triplets of Belleville,” awarded the best foreign-language film award to Zhang Yimou’s “Hero” and tapped Errol Morris’ “The Fog of War” as best documentary.

MORE FROM MORE NEWS AND OTHER FEATURES

Risk-taking Almodovar still has some modesty

Risk-taking Almodovar still has some modesty Will Ferrell is Hollywood's most overpaid star Cage uncuffs inner cop for ‘Bad Lieutenant’ Viacom wins rights to Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ 15 documentary features make Oscar’s short list Hollywood rethinks use of pricey A-list actors ‘Mormon Proposition’ looks at Prop. 8 debate Bacall, Corman receive early Oscars End is near as Hollywood does the apocalypse 10 failed doomsday predictions   Add More news and other features headlines to your news reader: