L.A. Critics' Picks

11/26/1998 at 12:00 AM EST

"The Insider," a critical but not commercial hit about a tobacco executive-turned-whistleblower, reaped four awards from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, including best motion picture of 1999. The film's Russell Crowe was named best actor for his role as ex-cigarette exec Jeffrey Wigand; Christopher Plummer nabbed best supporting actor (for playing Mike Wallace of "60 Minutes"). Cinematographer Dante Spinotti was also recognized. In other awards, Sam Mendes was cited as best director for "American Beauty." Hillary Swank was named the top actress for her gender-bending role in "Boys Don't Cry," and Chloë Sevigny won for supporting actress for her work in the same movie. Other picks included Charlie Kaufman's screenplay for "Being John Malkovich"; Pedro Almodovar's "All About My Mother" for best foreign film; and Wim Wenders and Ry Cooder for the documentary "The Buena Vista Social Club."