'Slumdog' wins four awards from DC critics

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- The Washington, D.C. Area Film Critics Association has declared "Slumdog Millionaire" the best film of 2008.

The movie also earned the prizes for best director for Danny Boyle, best breakthrough performance for Dev Patel and best adapted screenplay for Simon Beaufoy.

Mickey Rourke won the award for best actor for his portrayal of a washed-up professional wrestler who can't give up the spotlight in "The Wrestler," and Meryl Streep earned the prize for best actress for her portrayal of a strict Catholic school nun seeking the truth in "Doubt."

Streep and her co-stars also picked up the the award for best acting ensemble.

Late Australian actor Heath Ledger garnered the best supporting actor prize for his work in "The Dark Knight," which was released after his January death from an accidental prescription drug overdose at the age of 28.

Rosemarie DeWitt won the best supporting actress honor for "Rachel Getting Married." That film also earned screenwriter Jenny Lumet the prize for best original screenplay.

"In the face of massive marketing for big studio films, it is the ultimate underdogs who have emerged as critic's darlings and fan favorites," Tim Gordon, president of WAFCA, said in a statement Monday.