Kate Winslet plays the young Iris Murdoch

Denzel Washington was given the best actor award for his role as a bent drugs police officer in Training Day.

Mulholland Drive won David Lynch best director for his telling of a story about a would-be actress attempting to start a Hollywood career.

In the Bedroom also recently picked up the New York Film Critics Circle award, with Spacek once again voted best actress.

Endorsement

It tells the story of a couple whose marriage is close to collapse following the murder of their son.

Field's debut movie also stars Yorkshire actor Tom Wilkinson, who lists past successes The Full Monty and Shakespeare in Love on his extensive CV.

Both critics' awards are viewed as a strong endorsement ahead of the Academy Awards.

Last year the LA association chose Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon as its best film of the year.

The martial arts movie went on to win best foreign film at the Oscars.

This year's best screenplay award went to Christopher Nolan for the thriller Memento, which starred Guy Pearce.

Best foreign film went to Bosnian comedy No Man's Land while best animation went to Shrek.