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US critics praise Coens' 'Inside Llewyn Davis'

"Inside Llewyn Davis" dominated the 2014 edition of the National Society of Film Critics Awards, winning a total of four trophies.

Immersing viewers in the 1960s New York folk music scene, Joel and Ethan Coen's December 2013 release was awarded with Best Film, while Oscar Isaac (Best Actor) and Bruno Delbonnel (Best Cinematography) were also recognized by the NSFC.

The 60-odd members of the NSFC also commended Cate Blanchett, with her role in Woody Allen's "Blue Jasmine" attracting the Best Actress award. As supporting actors, Jennifer Lawrence and James Franco won awards for "American Hustle" and "Spring Breakers" respectively.

French film "La Vie d'Adele" ("Blue is the Warmest Color"), from Tunisia-born director Abdellatif Kechiche, was awarded Best Foreign Film, while "Before Midnight," starring Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke, won Best Screenplay.

The Society also highlighted two upcoming films, the Taiwanese "Stray Dogs," the final work from Malaysian Chinese director Tsai Ming-liang of "The Wayward Cloud" fame, and "Hide Your Smiling Faces," which is to be the debut feature from Daniel Patrick Carborne.

Both were well received at film festivals around the world throughout 2013 but are currently awaiting general release, hence their status as the NSFC's Best Film Still Awaiting American Distribution.