'American Hustle' Wins Big At The New York Film Critics Circle - Now Aims For Oscar Glory

Nearly a month before the crime thriller plays in theatres, the New York Film Critics Circle named David O.Russell's 'American Hustle' the 'Best Picture' of 2013 on Tuesday night (Dec 3rd). It also picked up 'Best Screenplay' and Russell awarded screenwriter Eric Warren Singer with the prize.

The upcoming drama is headed by an ensemble cast which sees the reunion of Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence (Both starred in 2012's 'Silver Lining Playbook), as well as Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner.

J-Law also kicked-off her award season by picking up the 'Best Supporting Actress' prize at the ceremony.

The plot follows a 1970s con artist, Irving Rosenfeld (Bale), and his British lover, Sydney Prosser (Adams), as they are forced to work with FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Cooper), who pushes them into the dangerous and attractive world of the Mafia and money to go with it. Irving's wife (Lawrence) jeopardises the whole operation and could cause the lives of others to come crashing down.

Watch the American Hustle' trailer here

It is set to hit theatres on December 20th 2013.

The director O.Russell has already been nominated for an Academy Award twice, for 'The Fighter' (2010) and 'Silver Linings Playbook' (2012), so maybe it is his year to leave the prestigious event as an award winner.

The New York Film Critics Circle also awarded Robert Redford 'Best Actor' for his solo performance in 'All Is Lost' and Cate Blanchet took home the 'Best Actress' prize for her role in 'Blue jasmine'.

'Best Supporting Actor' fell to Jared Leto for his performance in 'Dallas Buyers Club' alongside Matthew McConaughey and Steve McQueen won 'Best Director' for his work in '12 Years a Slave'.