Awards Watch: WALL-E Surprise in LA

Putting their money where their mouth is, a film critics group has given the best-reviewed movie of the year their top prize ... and it's an animated movie at that. Disney/Pixar's WALL-E has been named Best Picture of 2008 by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.

Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire continued its winning streak, winning Best Director, while Sean Penn (Milk) and Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky) took the lead acting honors. The late Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight) won his first real award of the year, while Penélope Cruz was named Best Supporting Actress for both Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Elegy (I have a feeling these latter two will be tough to beat through the rest of the awards season). See the comments section below for a quick look at all the winners.

The 34th Annual LAFCA Awards will be presented January 12 in (where else) Los Angles.