Director Richard Linklater's acclaimed movie Boyhood has been given a big Oscars boost after landing the Best Picture prize at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards.

The coming-of-age film, which was shot over the course of 12 years, also earned Linklater the Best Director honour and Patricia Arquette the Best Supporting Actress accolade, while lead acting titles went to Timothy Spall for his portrayal of artist J.M.W. Turner in Mr. Turner and Marion Cotillard, who was celebrated for her roles in both The Immigrant and Two Days, One Night.

The Immigrant also picked up Best Cinematography for Darius Khondji, while filmmaker Wes Anderson claimed Best Screenplay for The Grand Budapest Hotel.

The Nyfcc's top picks, which were announced on on Twitter.com on Monday (01Dec14), are considered to be among the best indicators in the run up to the Academy Awards.

The honours will be presented during a ceremony in New York next month (Jan15).

The full list of winners is:

Best Picture: Boyhood

Best Actor: Timothy Spall, Mr. Turner

Best Actress: Marion Cotillard, The Immigrant and Two Days, One Night

Best Supporting Actor: J.K. Simmons, Whiplash

Best Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette, Boyhood

Best Director: Richard Linklater, Boyhood

Best Foreign Language Film: Ida

Best Animated Film: The LEGO Movie

Best Nonfiction Film: Citizenfour

Best Screenplay: Wes Anderson, The Grand Budapest Hotel

Best Cinematography: Darius Khondji, The Immigrant

Best First Film: Jennifer Kent, The Babadook

Special Award: Adrienne Mancia.