Oklahoma film critics give top 2012 honors to 'Argo'

“Argo” also earned two additional wins: for Ben Affleck in the best director category and Chris Terrio for best adapted screenplay.

Set during the early and unsettling weeks after the rise of the Ayatollah Khomeini and the taking of American hostages, “Argo” tapped into the deep traditions of government intrigue found in the realistic dramas of the 1970s such as “All the President's Men.” The film proved that it is still possible to maintain suspense even when the outcome is part of the historical record.

Like the second most-honored film in the list, Kathryn Bigelow's “Zero Dark Thirty,” “Argo” proved that skillfully told stories about real people at the center of covert missions can capture imaginations just as effectively as fictional spy adventures.

“The vote went smoothly this time out, but believe me, the voting between those top two films was a nail-biter,” OFCC President George Lang said. “What I find fascinating about this process is how these votes reveal patterns in filmmaking, critical appreciation and audience enthusiasm. The events in ‘Argo' and ‘Zero Dark Thirty' take place three decades apart, but they both achieve much of their storytelling success by centering on smart professionals putting their lives on the line.”

Rounding out the list of 10 best films of 2012 list are “Zero Dark Thirty,” “Moonrise Kingdom,” “Django Unchained,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” “The Master,” “Lincoln,” “Looper,” and “Les Miserables.”

Best actor honors went to Daniel Day-Lewis in “Lincoln.”

His committed and cinematically untraditional portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln delved into the thoughtful man of good humor and intellect whose political prowess resulted in the freeing of slaves in 1865.

Best actress honors went to Jessica Chastain for her captivating performance in “Zero Dark Thirty” as Maya, a CIA operative who leads the nearly decade-long mission to find Osama bin Laden.

Anne Hathaway received votes for more than one performance this year, but earned the best supporting actress for her role as Fantine in “Les Miserables,” while Philip Seymour Hoffman won best supporting actor for his powerful and nuanced performance as new religion leader Lancaster Dodd in “The Master.”

“If there is a common denominator to these performances, it has to be deep, relatable humanity,” said Lang, assistant entertainment editor at The Oklahoman. “Day-Lewis made us see Lincoln as a real, flesh-and-blood man, which was a steep climb after nearly 150 years of dramatic depictions that created a solemn, almost godlike persona. With Chastain, Hoffman and Hathaway, what elevates each of them is a demonstrated ability to fully commit to a character. Their embodiment of their on-screen characters feels complete and utterly believable.”