THE 2017 NEW YORK FILM CRITICS CIRCLE AWARDS

Amy Ryan With Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams And Casey Affleck

New York, NY -- It was a star studded event to kick off awards season as The New York Film Critics Circle Awards took place at TAO Downtown.

Casey Affleck, Mark Ruffalo, Amy Ryan, Christopher Abbot, Damien Chazelle, Michelle Williams, Kenneth Lonergan, Barry Jenkins, Mahershala Ali, Isabelle Huppert, Maren Ade, Ezra Edelman, Rich Moore, James Laxton, Trey Shults, Kelly Fremon Craig, Trevor Noah and John Turturro were among the stars who came to celebrate the year’s finest films.

Kenneth Lonergan, Director of Manchester by the Sea, presented the Best Supporting Access award to Michelle Williams. “When I think of Michelle, I think of an actor who is a chameleon,” said Lonergan. “Michelle’s work over the years - you never know what you’re going to get, but you know it’s always something you want to see. Everything she wants, do you. Everything you want her to do, she does better. And every movie she’s in, you want to go see.”

Michelle Williams looked stunning in a black fit and flair dress with gold accents and matching gold heels while Casey Affleck charmed in a classic black suit complete with a white dotted tie and a trendy man-bun.

“I love the New York Film Critics Circle because it’s so raw and we know how to do it in New York,” said Mark Ruffalo. “No one has perfected their speeches yet and it’s great to see them win at the Oscars when they finally do have their speeches perfect.”

Guests celebrated the New York Film Critics Circle’s 82nd year at TAO Downtown by enjoying TAO Signature dishes such as Chef’s Choice Sushi, Edamame, and Branzino.

Founded in 1935, the New York Film Critics Circle is the oldest and most prestigious in the country. The circle’s membership includes critics from daily newspapers, weekly newspapers, magazines and the Web’s most respected on-line publications. Every year the organization meets in New York to vote on awards for the calendar year's films. The Circle's awards are often viewed as harbingers of the Oscar nominations. The Circle's awards are also viewed — perhaps more accurately — as a principled alternative to the Oscars, honoring aesthetic merit in a forum that is immune to commercial and political pressures. For more information, visit www.nyfcc.com.

Photos Courtesy Of: Kristina Bumphrey/Starpix / Domain / Tao