L.A. film critics pick 'WALL-E' as year's best

The Los Angeles Film Critics Association picked Pixar's animated adventure "WALL-E" as the best film of 2008.

The award for best director went to Danny Boyle for "Slumdog Millionaire," while Mike Leigh won best screenplay for "Happy-Go-Lucky."

Sean Penn won best actor for his excellent performance in Gus Van Sant's "Milk," the true story of the first openly gay man to be elected into public office in the U.S.

Sally Hawkins picked up the best actress award for "Happy-Go-Lucky," while Penelope Cruz was named best supporting acrtress for "Vicky Cristina Barcelona."

LAFCA also awarded the late Heath Ledger with the best supporting prize for his role as the Joker in "The Dark Knight."

Other winners included "Still Life," which took home the awards for best foreign film and best cinematography, and "Man On Wire," which won best documentary.