Rising star Elizabeth Olsen was the toast of the Canadian movie industry on Monday night after seeing off fierce competition from Meryl Streep and Michelle Williams at the Vancouver Film Critics Circle Awards.
Olsen, younger sister of former child stars Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, was named Best Actress for her performance in Martha Marcy May Marlene, triumphing over Hollywood heavyweight Streep (The Iron Lady) and Williams (My Week With Marilyn).
Michael Fassbender topped the male acting honors for his turn in Shame, while Oscar-tipped The Artist was hailed as the best film of 2011, seeing off competition from George Clooney’s The Descendants and Brad Pitt’s The Tree of Life to take the top prize.
Other winners included rising star Jessica Chastain, who was named Best Supporting Actress in honor of her roles in The Tree of Life, Take Shelter and The Help, and Christopher Plummer, who won Best Supporting Actor for Beginners.
Terrence Malick took Best Director for The Tree of Life.
If you missed it, check out our 15 favorite movies of 2011 here.
