‘Parasite’ named best film by LA film critics

Scene from “Parasite”

NEW YORK—The Los Angeles Film Critics Association named the uproarious class satire “Parasite” the year’s best picture and its maker, Bong Joon-ho, best director.

The critics group convened on Sunday in Los Angeles and announced their awards on Twitter, a few days after their New York counterparts chose “The Irishman” as their best film of 2019.

The LA critics selected Martin Scorsese’s mafia epic as their runner-up.

“Parasite” actor Song Kang-ho, who plays the patriarch of a family of con artists who infiltrate a wealthy family’s home, was also awarded best supporting actor by the critics association.

Best actress and best actor

Best actress went to Mary Kay Place, star of Kent Jones’ acclaimed low-budget character study “Diane.” Antonio Banderas, star of Pedro Almodovar’s self-reflective drama “Pain and Glory” took best actor. Best supporting actress was awarded to Jennifer Lopez for Lorene Scafaria’s stripper crime drama “Hustlers.”

The critics will hand out their awards at a gala on Jan. 11. Elaine May is this year’s previously announced career achievement award winner. –AP