Israel's war documentary Waltz With Bashir gets top US prize

Israel's war documentary Waltz With Bashir gets top US prize Los Angeles - Waltz With Bashir, the animated documentary of an Israeli soldier's war trauma, has been named the best film of 2008 by the National Society of Film Critics, according to Variety on Monday.

The autobiographical film by Israeli director Ari Folman portrays the harrowing consequences of Israel's invasion of Lebanon in 1982.

The movie has been widely acclaimed since its release last year, but has gained added relevance with Israel's current incursion into the Gaza Strip. It is seen as a contender in both the animation and foreign-language Oscar categories.

The organization, which includes about 50 reviewers from some of the most prestigious publications in the US, also honoured Sean Penn for best actor for his role as a gay political pioneer in the movie Milk.

Sally Hawkins won the best actress nod for Happy Go Lucky. The British comedy also yielded best screenplay and director prizes for Mike Leigh and a supporting actor award for Eddie Marsan.

Hanna Schygulla took the supporting actress prize for The Edge of Heaven. (dpa)

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