Washington critics fly high with ‘Air’

“Up in the Air” is flying high with Washington film critics, who named Jason Reitman’s pic best of the year for 2009.

The film also picked up trophies for star George Clooney as best actor and best adapted screenplay.

Also topping the Washington critics’ list was “Precious,” which nabbed a set of acting honors for star Gabourey Sidibe and Mo’Nique.

“The Hurt Locker” also fared well with a set of prizes for director Kathryn Bigelow and best ensemble cast.

The Washington, DC Area Film Critics Association is comprised of 47 D.C.-based critics. Awards were handed out Dec. 7.

And the winners are:

FILM:
“Up in the Air” – Paramount

DIRECTOR:
Kathryn Bigelow (“The Hurt Locker”)

ACTOR:
George Clooney (“Up in the Air”)

ACTRESS:
Carey Mulligan (“An Education”)

SUPPORTING ACTOR:
Christoph Waltz (“Inglourious Basterds”)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Mo’Nique (“Precious”)

ENSEMBLE:
The Hurt Locker – “Summit Entertainment”

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE:
Gabourey Sidibe (“Precious”)

SCREENPLAY, ADAPTED:
Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner (“Up in the Air”)

SCREENPLAY, ORIGINAL:
Quentin Tarantino (“Inglourious Basterds”)

ANIMATED FILM:
“Up” – Walt Disney & Pixar

FOREIGN FILM:
“Sin Nombre” – Focus Features

DOCUMENTARY:
“Food, Inc.” – Magnolia

ART DIRECTION:
“Nine” – The Weinstein Company