This year’s Oscar nominations were just hours old when the Critics’ Choice Awards were announced on Thursday night, and the big winners were 12 Years a Slave and Gravity.
The Broadcast Film Critics Association chose Steve McQueen’s searing historical drama of slavery in the U.S. as the best picture. 12 Years a Slave won won the Golden Globe on Sunday for best dramatic film, and Thursday morning earned nine Oscar nominations. Gravity took home the most Critics’ Choice Awards, breaking the record with seven trophies, including best director Alfonso Cuaron, best actress in an action movie Sandra Bullock, and awards for cinematography, editing and effects. Gravity also won the award for best sci-fi/horror movie.
Other big winners Thursday night were Matthew McConaughey as best actor for Dallas Buyers Club, and Cate Blanchett asbest actress for Blue Jasmine. David O. Russell’s con-artist caper American Hustle won for best acting ensemble and took home the award for best comedy.
The awards season, which is now in full swing, will culminate with the Oscars on March 2.