L.A. Film Critics Awards Announced

The L.A. Film Critics have chosen WALL-E as 2008's best film. This is the first time in history that the group has picked an animated film for this honor.

The Dark Knight was the runner-up in both the best picture and best director categories, with the latter honor going to Christopher Nolan. Danny Boyle claimed the director award for Slumdog Millionaire.

Sean Penn received best actor honors for Milk, while Sally Hawkins was hailed best actress for Happy-Go-Lucky. Mickey Rourke and Melissa Leo were the runners-up for The Wrestler and Frozen River, respectively.

Supporting awards went to Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight and Penelope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Elegy. Eddie Marsan of Happy-Go-Lucky and Viola Davis of Doubt claimed the number two spots.

Mike Leigh won best screenplay for his Happy-Go-Lucky script. Charlie Kaufman was the runner-up for Synecdoche, New York.

A ceremony will be held January 12 to distribute the awards.