'Milk', the Harvey Milk biopic won over the New York Film Critics Circle, who not only gave it their Best Feature prize, but also gave stars Sean Penn and Josh Brolin, their Best Actor and Supporting Actor award, respectively.

Mike Leigh was named Best Director for his film 'Happy-Go-Lucky', while Sally Hawkins won Best Actress for the same. Penelope Cruz won for Best Supporting Actress for her film 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona.'

Disney / Pixar's 'Wall-E', also named top film by L. A. film critics, won for Top Animated feature, while 'Man on Wire' about the 1974 daring though illegal high-wire walk between the World Trade Centre twin towers in 1974 by tightrope artist Philippe Petit won the Best Documentary award.

Other bests include: Jenny Lumet - Best Screenplay for 'Rachel Getting Married'; Courtney Hunt - First Film for 'Frozen River'; Best Foreign Film went to '4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days'; with Anthony Dod Mantle winning Best Cinematographer for 'Slumdog Millionaire'.

The New York Circle, a group of 33 critics, will hold its awards ceremony 5th January 2009 in New York.