With the New York Film Critics Circle and now, the National Board of Reviews announcing their winners for the year, it certainly feels like the awards season is well underway.

It was just announced that the ever ethereal and fierce Tilda Swinton won the Best Actress prize from the National Board of Review for her work in the film "We Need to Talk About Kevin."

In the movie, the 51-year-old actress plays a mother dealing with her guilt after her highly disturbed son is the prime suspect in a shooting at his school.

The Best Picture and Best Director award goes to is Martin Scorsese for his work in "Hugo." His 3D family film that is also being touted as a love letter to classic cinema secured glowing reviews from critics, but many are saying that a win in this award giving body signals that it may be the dark horse in the coming award shows to come.

However, some very influential people are also paying attention to Debut Director winner J.C. Chandor whose "Margin Call" goes on to be a sleeper surprise this fall. The NBR tips their hat to "Rango," an animated feature that most have completely written off. Perhaps this win will merit a second look at this animated romp.

As for the acting categories, George Clooney and the aforementioned Swinton won for "The Descendants" and yes, "We Need To Talk About Kevin" respectively. Both films have also been named as under the "must watch" categories.

Both Rooney Mara and Felicity Jones were deemed worthy of Breakthrough Performance wins for "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" and "Like Crazy" respectively.

Michael Fassender finally gets some well earned recognition for being Michael Fassbender in the Spotlight Award. If you're inclined to put your money on winners for the Oscars, any of these films and actors is sure to be your best bet.