Chicago film critics pick The Lord of the Rings

CHICAGO - In the awards runup to next month's Academy Awards, the 45-member Chicago Film Critics Association chose The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King as best picture of 2003.

Bill Murray, for his portrayal of a boozy actor in Japan in Lost in Translation, and Charlize Theron, for her chilling turn as a serial killer in Monster, were awarded best actor and actress, respectively, a posting on the association's website said on Thursday.

Lost in Translation, which won best screenplay for director-writer Sofia Coppola and best cinematography for Lance Acord, placed a close second in the best picture category to the final instalment of New Zealander Peter Jackson's trilogy based on J R R Tolkien's books. Jackson also won for best director.

Tim Robbins was awarded best supporting actor for his role in Mystic River, and best supporting actress went to Patricia Clarkson for Pieces of April.

The Fog of War, Errol Morris' look at former Secretary of Defence Robert McNamara, won best documentary and City of God, the tale of Brazilian street life by Katia Lund and Fernando Meirelles, won for best foreign language offering.

Howard Shore's music for Jackson's film was awarded best original score.

In the "most promising" categories, New Zealand child actress Keisha Castle-Hughes won most promising performer for Whale Rider and Shari Springer Berman and robert Pulcini won most promising filmmaker(s) for American Splendor.

- REUTERS

Herald Feature: Lord of the Rings