New York Film Critics Circle Vote Hurt Locker, Bigelow, Streep, Clooney, Mo'Nique and Waltz

The New York Film Critics Circle is the most respected and influential of the various critics groups. While the NYFCC often like to go their way, this year they are duplicating the LAFCA with votes for best picture and director for The Hurt Locker and Kathryn Bigelow. Notably missing: the Coens' A Serious Man and Jane Campions' Bright Star, two critically acclaimed films that could have used a push. Screenplay went to Brit comedy In the Loop. Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia) and George Clooney (Up in the Air) continue to rack up awards, as well as Precious star Mo'Nique and Inglorious Basterds' Christoph Waltz.

IndieWIRE has full list of winners, also listed on the jump.

Founded in 1935, the NYFCC is the granddaddy. (And their 33 members do include such online critics as Slate's Dana Stevens and Salon's Stephanie Zacharek.) While the Golden Globes have a TV show and will have some impact on Oscar nominations when they announce tomorrow, they aren't taken as seriously as the New York critics. The National Society of Film Critics, which was started in 1966 by a group of critics who had been denied membership in the NYFCC, is made up of top critics from across the country, votes in January and has somewhat less impact for that reason.

A movie like No Country for Old Men, for example, got a real boost when the NYFCC gave it best picture, director and best supporting actor in 2007--eventual Oscar winners all. They also went with Daniel Day Lewis for There Will Be Blood, and cinematography for Robert Elswit.

Eugene Hernandez thinks about critical influence. As does Desson Thomson.

The 2009 New York Film Critics’ Circle Award Winners:

Best Film – “The Hurt Locker”

Best Director – Kathryn Bigelow for “The Hurt Locker”

Best Screenplay – “In the Loop”

Best Actress – Meryl Streep for “Julie & Julia”

Best Actor – George Clooney for “Up In The Air” and “Fantastic Mr. Fox”

Best Supporting Actress – Mo’Nique for “Precious”

Best Supporting Actor – Christoph Waltz for “Inglourious Basterds”

Best Cinematography – Christian Berger for “The White Ribbon”

Best Animated Film – “Fantastic Mr. Fox”

Best Non-fiction Film – “Of Time and the City”

Best Foreign Language Film – “Summer Hours”

Best First Feature – “Hunger,” director Steve McQueen

Special Award - To Andrew Sarris for his contribution to film criticism