The Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA) unveiled the winners of its 2023 awards today, marking another exciting year in the world of cinema. As the winners were announced, Deadline provided live updates of the prestigious accolades.

Leading the way in the animation category was Hayao Miyazaki's masterpiece, "The Boy and the Heron," which not only took home the coveted Best Animation prize but also achieved a remarkable North American debut, grossing an impressive $12.8 million. The film captivated audiences with its stunning visuals and poignant storytelling.

Laurent Sénéchal was recognized for his exceptional editing skills in "Anatomy of a Fall," earning him the Best Editing award. The film's seamless transitions and narrative flow undoubtedly contributed to its success. Meanwhile, the Best Production Design prize went to Sarah Greenwood for her outstanding work on "Barbie," creating a visually captivating world for audiences to immerse themselves in.

In the realm of music and score, Mica Levi's composition for "The Zone of Interest" struck a chord with the critics, securing the Best Music/Score award. The haunting melodies and atmospheric tones became an integral part of the film's emotional landscape. Notably, "Poor Things" emerged as a favorite among the LAFCA voters, with Robbie Ryan's exceptional cinematography earning him the Best Cinematography award, capturing the essence of the story with every frame.

The awards will be officially presented at the LAFCA banquet on January 13, where the winners and industry peers will gather to celebrate their achievements. Additionally, the talented director Agnieszka Holland will be honored with the LAFCA Career Achievement Award. With a remarkable body of work that includes the Oscar-nominated "Europa Europa" and the Emmy-nominated "Treme," Holland's fearlessly confrontational approach to storytelling has left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

LAFCA President Robert Abele expressed his enthusiasm for honoring Holland, stating, "With moral clarity, deep empathy, and invigorating filmmaking, her work lays bare the damage that oppressive regimes and sociopolitical conflicts wreak on everyday souls. At a time of increasing worldwide unrest, with authoritarianism on the rise, Holland's fiercely humane films remind us that history isn't entirely behind us and that a vibrantly political cinema is more vital now than ever."

It is worth noting that at last year's LAFCA Awards, "Tar" and the eventual Oscar-winning film "Everything Everywhere All at Once" shared the coveted Best Picture award, showcasing the association's recognition of exceptional cinematic achievements.

Since its formation in 1975, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association has comprised professional film critics from the local print and electronic media, dedicated to honoring excellence in the film industry. Each year, LAFCA members vote to recognize outstanding contributions from both filmmakers and talents on screen.

As the winners of the 2023 LAFCA awards are celebrated, it is evident that these exceptional works of cinema continue to push boundaries, captivate audiences, and remind us of the power of storytelling.