NYFCO honors 'Avatar,' 'Inglourious'

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- New York Film Critics Online declared James Cameron's special effects-laden adventure "Avatar" the best picture of 2009.

Jeff Bridges was named best actor for his role in "Crazy Heart" and Meryl Streep earned the best actress title for her performance in "Julie & Julia."

Kathryn Bigelow picked up the prize for best director for "The Hurt Locker" and Mo'Nique was honored as best supporting actress for "Precious."

Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" won the awards for best screenplay and cinematography, while co-star Christoph Waltz was named best supporting actor and earned the gong for breakthrough performer.

"The White Ribbon" was NYFCO's choice for best foreign film, while the best documentary honor went to "The Cove" and "Up" was deemed the year's best animated film.

The cast of "In the Loop" was also recognized for giving the best ensemble performance of 2009.

NYFCO's list of the year's best films in alphabetical order are "Adventureland," "Avatar," "Fantastic Mr. Fox,"

"The Hurt Locker," "Inglourious Basterds," "The Messenger," "Precious," "A Serious Man," "Two Lovers,"

"Up" and "Up in the Air."