Critics hand out year-end film awards

“Mystic River” and “Lost in Translation” scored big in three year-end critics’ polls released Tuesday.

“Mystic River,” Clint Eastwood’s drama about vengeance in America, was named best picture by the Boston Society of Film Critics. The group also named Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson best actor and actress and Sofia Coppola best director, all for “Lost in Translation.” Peter Sarsgaard (“Shattered Glass”) and Patricia Clarkson (“The Station Agent,” “Pieces of April”) were selected best supporting actor and actress.

“Lost in Translation” was named best picture by the San Francisco Film Critics Circle, which gave Peter Jackson the best director nod for “The Return of the King,” the final installment in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Murray, again, won best actor and Charlize Theron (“Monster”) took best actress honors. The Circle also honored Sarsgaard and Clarkson for their supporting performances and, like their Boston counterparts, chose “Capturing the Friedmans” as best documentary.

“Mystic River” also led the nominations of the Broadcast Film Critics Assn., with the winners to be announced Jan. 10. Its eight nominations included best picture, best actor (Sean Penn) and best director. Jim Sheridan’s “In America” followed with seven nominations, including best picture and best actress (Samantha Morton), while Tim Burton’s “Big Fish” and “Lost in Translation” each received five nominations.