N.Y. film critics honor 'Hurt Locker'

NEW YORK, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- The New York Film Critics Circle says it has voted "The Hurt Locker" the best film of 2009.

The Iraq war movie's director Kathryn Bigelow was named best director, "Julie & Julia" star Meryl Streep deemed best actress and George Clooney declared best actor for "Up in the Air" and "Fantastic Mr. Fox," the latter of which also won the gong for best animated film.

Mo'Nique picked up the prize for best supporting actress for her work in "Precious" and Christoph Waltz earned the honor for best supporting actor for his performance in "Inglourious Basterds."

"Of Time and the City" garnered the title of best non-fiction film, "Summer Hours" was named best foreign language film and "Hunger" received the award for best first feature.

"In a year of tough choices for everybody, the Circle celebrates cinema with critical thinking and cultural continuity," chairman Armond White said in a statement Monday.