Meryl Streep has been named best actress by the prestigious New York Film Critics Circle, in what is being seen as her first step towards yet another Oscar.
The 62-year-old won for her portrayal of ex-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 'The Iron Lady', which sees the Baroness suffering from dementia, looking back over her career.
This win now makes her the favourite to pick up what would be her third Academy Award, which takes place in Los Angeles on February 26.
Her last win came 30 years ago for 'Sophie's Choice', while her first came in 1980 with 'Kramer vs Kramer', although she often jokes that she has missed out on an Oscar more times than anyone in history.
Of playing Thatcher, Streep told The Daily Mail: "I feel she believed in her policies and that they came from an honest conviction and that she wasn't a cosmetic politician just changing make-up to suit the times."
Brad Pitt was named best actor for his roles in 'Moneyball' and 'The Tree of Life', with French-made film 'The Artist' picking up best film and best director.
'The Iron Lady' is released on January 6.
Streep has previously expressed concern about playing such a polarising figure.
'The Iron Lady'...
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