'Wall-E,' 'Dark Knight' Best Films in Los Angeles

The critics in Los Angeles have spoken, and they've thrown the first true curve ball of the 2008 awards season. The group has named Wall-E its Best Picture, with The Dark Knight named the runner-up. That's important, because if for some reason Wall-E is not able to fulfill its obligations as Best Picture in the coming year, we now know the chain of command. Rather than listing a bunch of nominees or a big list of films, the Los Angeles journalists just pick two films or performances in each category. They're also the first group to truly remember Happy-Go-Lucky, the Mike Leigh film that had a lot more momentum in early October. Variety has the complete rundown, but here are the ones you're probably most interested in, listed with the winner first, followed by the runner-up:Best Picture:
Wall-E
The Dark Knight Best Director:
Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
Christopher Nolan, The Dark Knight Best Actor:
Sean Penn, Milk
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler Best Actress:
Sally Hawkins, Happy-Go-Lucky
Runner-up: Melissa Leo, Frozen River Best Supporting Actor:
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Eddie Marsan, Happy-Go-Lucky Best Supporting Actress:
Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Elegy
Viola Davis, Doubt Best Screenplay:
Mike Leigh, Happy-Go-Lucky
Charlie Kaufman, Synecdoche, New York