The New York Film Critics Circle named "Topsy Turvy," a Victorian-age story about comic opera's Gilbert and Sullivan, the best film of the year.
Directed by Mike Leigh, the movie is "a one-of-a-kind period piece that is thrilling, incredibly entertaining to watch and incredibly profound," said Entertainment Weekly critic Owen Gleiberman, circle chairman.
The film, which opens Friday, is about a moment late in the careers of Sir Arthur Sullivan and W.S. Gilbert.
Richard Farnsworth was named best actor for his role in "The Straight Story," and Hilary Swank was voted best actress for "Boys Don't Cry." Spike Jonze won for best first film for his "Being John Malkovich."
In a first this year, the circle introduced an award for best animated film. The winner was "South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut."