LA Film Critics Choose "The Hurt Locker" As Best Film

Ticket Sales did not influence the Los Angeles Film Critics’ choice for the best film of 2009.

The critics voted The Hurt Locker as the number one movie of this year, reports the LA Times. The film, based on American bomb-disposal experts in Iraq, only grossed $13 million in the U.S.

Kathryn Bigelow was honored with the best director prize for her work on the film.

Choices for the awards were announced on Sunday afternoon.

Jeff Bridges won the title of best actor for his portrayal of Bad Blake in Crazy Heart. Critics selected Yolande Moreau as the best actress for Séraphine.

Christoph Waltz and Mo’Nique won best actor and actress for their parts in Inglourious Basterds and Precious, respectively.

Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox took the award for best animated film over the wildly successful Up.

Normally, the Critic’s choices are not considered to be reliable indicators of Oscar winners. The last time the Critics and the Academy agreed on the best picture was in 1993 for Schindler’s List.

The awards ceremony for the Critic’s Awards will take place on Jan. 16 at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles.