Steve McQueen named best director for `12 Years a Slave`

London – Steve McQueen has been named the best director for his film ‘12 Years a Slave’ by the New York Film Critics Circle.

‘American Hustle’ was named as the best film, Robert Redford won best actor for ‘All Is Lost’ and Cate Blanchett was named the best actress for ‘Blue Jasmine’, the BBC reported.

The group is one of the first to announce results in the film awards season, culminating in the Oscars.

The New York Film Critics Circle will present their awards in a ceremony on January 6.