U.S. film critics honor 'Melancholia'

NEW YORK, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Lars von Tier's end-of-the world tale "Melancholia" was named best film of 2011 at this weekend's National Society of Film Critics event in New York.

"Melancholia" stare Kirsten Dunst was named best actress of the year and Brad Pitt was saluted as best actor for "Tree of Life" and "Moneyball."

The critics, who huddled at the Manhattan show business Mecca of Sardis on Saturday, weighed in on a number of Oscar-like categories and were the last of the major critics group to have their say before the Academy Awards, The Hollywood Reporter said.

Other honorees went to Terence Malik for directing "Tree of Life," Albert Brooks for best supporting actor in "38," and Jessica Chastain, who was named best supporting actress for three pictures: "Tree of Life," "The Help," and "Take Shelter."