The National Critics association in the United States has named LGBT themed film Moonlight as the best picture of the year at their annual awards.

Alongside being named best film, Barry Jenkins was awarded Best Director.

The movie is a coming-of-age tale about a young, gay, black kid growing up in a poor, drug-ridden neighbourhood of Miami.

The movie is based on a play In the Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue by author Tarell Alvin McCraney.

The film is one of five features nominated for Best Drama film at tomorrow’s Golden Globe Awards. Moonlight will battle Hell or High Water, Manchester by Sea, Lion and Hacksaw Ridge.

The acclaimed movie has also picked up nominations for Naomie Harris as Best Supporting Actress and Mahershala Ali as Best Supporting Actor. Barry Jenkins has been nominated as Best Director and for Best Screenplay.

A preview screening of the film is on tonight at LUNA Leederville from 7:30pm. The Australian season of the film opens on January 26th.