US Critics Love ‘Beauty’

American Beauty has snagged what's sure to be the first in a bevy of garlands after being named best film of 1999 by the US National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, made up of movie critics from around the country. The film, which opens in the UK on January 28, is a stunning portray of a middle class family on the brink of chaos, starring Kevin Spacey, **Annette Benning **and Thora Birch. Other winners include: Best Director - Anthony Mighella for The Talented Mr Ripley Best Actor - Russell Crowe for The Insider Best Actress - Janet McTeer for Tumbleweeds Best Supporting Actor - Philip Seymour Hoffman for Magnolia Best Supporting Actress - Julianne Moore for A Map of the World