The Descendants

"The Descendants": LA Times Critics' Choice Award from Betsy Sharkey:

In director Alexander Payne's intimate drama, George Clooney is powerfully effective as a man forced to reassess his life and legacy after a family crisis.

Betsy Sharkey's review of "The Descendants"at the LA Times

The Artist

"The Artist": LA Times Critics' Choice Award from Kenneth Turan:

French filmmaker Michel Hazanavicius' film is a delightful throwback to Hollywood's early days, when actors used their faces, not dialogue to convey the story. It manages to be both witty and convey the spirit of bygone days. "The Artist" is the wonder of the age, as much a miracle as "Avatar," though it comes at things from the totally opposite direction.

Kenneth Turan's review of "The Artist"