Sean Penn was named Best Actor for 'Milk', while 'Happy-Go-Lucky' led the winner list with four awards from 2008 National Society of Film Critics Awards.
- January 5, 2009
AceShowbiz -
National Society of Film Critics have selected their best of 2008. At Sardi's Restaurant in New York on Saturday, January 3, the 63-member society compiled of critics from around the country have chosen Sean Penn as the year's best actor for his portrayal of gay-rights icon Harvey Milk in "Milk" and given "Happy-Go-Lucky" the most awards.
Collecting four kudos from the 43rd National Society of Film Critics Awards, drama comedy "Happy-Go-Lucky" brought home Best Director and Best Screenplay prizes for Mike Leigh. It also nabbed Best Actress for its star Sally Hawkins and Best Supporting Actor for Eddie Marsan. For her Best Actress award, Hawkins overshadowed Melissa Leo of "Frozen River" and Michelle Williams of "Wendy and Lucy".
The Best Picture recognition itself went to Ari Folman's animated documentary "Waltz with Bashir". It bested over "Happy-Go-Lucky" and "Wall-E". Since "Waltz" is a foreign language film, the Best Foreign Language Film was not awarded this time. Other winners included Hanna Schygulla for her supporting performance in "The Edge of Heaven" and Anthony Dod Mantle for his cinematography work in "Slumdog Millionaire".
- Best Picture: "Waltz with Bashir (Vals im Bashir)"
- Best Director: Mike Leigh, "Happy-Go-Lucky"
- Best Actor: Sean Penn, "Milk"
- Best Actress: Sally Hawkins, "Happy-Go-Lucky"
- Best Supporting Actor: Eddie Marsan, "Happy-Go-Lucky"
- Best Supporting Actress: Hanna Schygulla, "The Edge of Heaven (Auf der anderen Seite)"
- Best Screenplay: Mike Leigh, "Happy-Go-Lucky"
- Best Cinematography: Anthony Dod Mantle, "Slumdog Millionaire"
- Best Experimental Film: "Razzle Dazzle"
- Best Non-Fiction Film: "Man on Wire"
