Detroit Film Critics Society picks best of 2017

Woody Harrelson and Frances McDormand in a scene from "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," one of the films recognized by the Detroit Film Critics Society.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Detroit Film Critics Society announced its picks for the best movie and performances of 2017 this week, with The Florida Project, a scrappy, poignant drama about childhood set at a budget motel near Disney World, taking the top honor.

Other films nominated for the top award were The Disaster Artist, Get Out, The Shape of Water, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. 

Woody Harrelson and Frances McDormand in a scene from "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," one of the films recognized by the Detroit Film Critics Society.

All of the movies are expected to be contenders for the upcoming Academy Awards race.

The Florida Project’s director, Sean Baker, was also cited by DFCS as the year’s best director. He topped a field that included Paul Thomas Anderson for Phantom Thread, Greta Gerwig for Lady Bird, Christopher Nolan for Dunkirk, Jordan Peele for Get Out, and Guillermo Del Toro for The Shape of Water.

James Franco was named Best Actor by the society for his portrayal of eccentric filmmaker Tommy Wiseau in The Disaster Artist. He bested a field that included Timothee Chalamet in Call Me By Your Name, Daniel Day-Lewis for Phantom Thread, Gary Oldman for Darkest Hour, and Robert Pattinson for Good Time.

Best Actress honors went to Frances McDormand for her blistering turn as a grieving mother in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Other nominees included Jessica Chastain for Molly’s Game, Sally Hawkins for The Shape of Water, Margot Robbie for I, Tonya, and Saoirse Ronan for Lady Bird.

Willem Dafoe was named Best Supporting Actor for The Florida Project. Dafoe was joined in the competition by Richard Jenkins for The Shape of Water, Sam Rockwell for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Patrick Stewart for Logan, and Michael Stuhlbarg for Call Me By Your Name.

This image released by Neon shows Allison Janney as LaVona Golden from "I, Tonya."

Best Supporting Actress honors went to Allison Janney for I, Tonya. 

Also considered for honors in the category were Holly Hunter for The Big Sick, Tiffany Haddish for Girls Trip, Melissa Leo for Novitiate, and Laurie Metcalfe for Lady Bird.

The society also awarded citations in a number of other categories, including Best Ensemble, which went to The Post; Best Breakthrough, which went to writer-director Jordan Peele for Get Out; Best Screenplay, which went to Martin McDonagh for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri; Best Documentary to Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond; Best Animated Feature to The Lego Batman Movie, and Best Use of Music to Baby Driver.

The Detroit Film Critics Society is composed of print and radio critics from throughout Michigan and northwest Ohio. 

Blade pop culture writer Kirk Baird is a member of the organization.