This year's Cinderella story, 'Slumdog Millionaire', a 'rag to riches film based on the life of a young slumdweller of Mumbai, has won the best cinematography award from the National Society of Film Critics, US.

The film has won awards at the British Independent Film Awards and was named best film of 2008 by the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures(US).

Indian music director A R Rahman has also nominated it for the Golden Globe for Best Original Music Score.

Animated Israeli film 'Waltz with Bashir' took the top honors from Society of Film Critics and was named the best film of 2008, reported the Los Angeles Times.

Mike Leigh's ‘Happy-Go-Lucky’ and Disney-Pixar's animated hit ‘Wall-E’ tied for runner-up in the best picture category.

Leigh earned best director and screenplay for his humanistic comedy, 'Happy go Lucky' which picked up two more awards. Sally Hawkins won best actress for her portrayal of the ever optimistic Poppy, and Eddie Marsan won best supporting actor as her dour and prickly driving instructor.

Sean Penn is shaping up to be the leading contender for the best actor Oscar after receiving the top honor from the Film Critics society for his portrayal of slain gay activist Harvey Milk in ‘Milk’.

He's already earned best actor from numerous groups, including the LA Film Critics Association and the New York Film Critics Circle.

Based on Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup's novel 'Q and A' and directed by British filmmaker Danny Boyle, the 'Slumdog Millionaire' has emerged as one of the biggest winners in award circuits. It is already being touted to be a major winner at this year's Academy awards.