'Milk,' 'Button' lead Critics' Choice nods

NEW YORK, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- "Milk" and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" have each garnered nominations for eight Critics' Choice Awards, it was announced in New York Tuesday.

The Broadcast Film Critics Association's 14th annual prize presentation honoring the best of film in 2008 is to take place Jan. 8.

"Milk" and "Button" were both nominated for best picture, along with "Changeling," "The Dark Knight," "Doubt," "Frost/Nixon," "The Reader," "Slumdog Millionaire," "Wall-E" and "The Wrestler."

In the running for best actor are Clint Eastwood for "Gran Torino," Richard Jenkins for "The Visitor," Frank Langella for "Frost/Nixon," Sean Penn for "Milk," Brad Pitt for "Button" and Mickey Rourke for "The Wrestler."

Shortlisted for the best actress prize are Kate Beckinsale for "Nothing But the Truth," Cate Blanchett for "Button," Anne Hathaway for "Rachel Getting Married," Angelina Jolie for "Changeling," Melissa Leo for "Frozen River" and Meryl Streep for "Doubt."

Earning nods for best supporting actor are Josh Brolin for "Milk," Robert Downey, Jr. for "Tropic Thunder," Philip Seymour Hoffman for "Doubt," Heath Ledger for "The Dark Knight" and James Franco for "Milk."

Mentioned in the best supporting actress category are Penelope Cruz for "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," Viola Davis for "Doubt," Vera Farmiga for "Nothing But the Truth," Taraji P. Henson for "Button," Marisa Tomei for "The Wrestler" and Kate Winslet for "The Reader."

The casts of "Button," "The Dark Knight," "Doubt," "Milk" and "Rachel Getting Married" are all nominated for best acting ensemble.