Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master has taken Los Angeles film critics under its spell, as it scooped four gongs at the LA Film Critics Awards, Belfast Telegraph reported.

Joaquin Phoenix was honoured with the best actor prize and Amy Adams received the best supporting actress award, while the filmmaker was named best director, beating Kathryn Bigelow. The movie also won best production design.

Jennifer Lawrence, who is Oscar-nominated for her role in Silver Linings Playbook, and Amour star Emmanuelle Riva tied for best actress, with Amour winning best picture ahead of The Master.

Beasts Of The Southern Wild, starring Oscar-nominated starlet Quvenzhane Wallis, took home three gongs including a best supporting actor honour for first-time actor Dwight Henry, best music score and the New Generation award.

Tim Burton's Frankenweenie won best animation, Leos Carax's Holy Motors was named best foreign language film and Skyfall stole best cinematography.