Scorsese scores at Critics’ Choice Awards

January 13, 2012 by Barry Walsh

Legendary helmer Martin Scorsese received two honors last night at the 17th Annual Critics Choice Movie Awards – one for his most recent documentary, and another recognizing his efforts in combining music and film.

Scorsese’s George Harrison: Living in the Material World, a loving tribute to the multi-faceted Beatle and solo artist, was named best documentary feature during the ceremony in Los Angeles. Also, the director received the second annual Music + Film award from the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA).

The second honor is presented to filmmakers who have, in the words of the BFCA, “heightened the impact of film through the brilliant use of source and soundtrack music.” While Scorsese certainly meets that criteria with his scripted features, his work in documentary – specifically with such films as The Last Waltz, which documented the final performance by The Band, and the Bob Dylan doc No Direction Home – also fits the bill. To that end, Dylan performed “Blind Willie McTell” as a special musical tribute to the director, who received the award from George Harrison’s widow Olivia and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Scorsese’s latest scripted feature, Hugo, was also up for best picture. While it did take an award for best art direction, it lost the best picture nod to The Artist.

Next month, Scorsese will be presented with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts’ Academy Fellowship at the BAFTAs ceremony.

Tags: Bob Dylan, Critics' Choice Movie Awards, George Harrison, George Harrison: Living In The Material World, Martin Scorsese, No Direction Home, The Band, The Beatles

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