Actor Sean Penn arrives for a Cinema Society screening of the film "Milk" in New York on November 18, 2008. [Photo: Reuters/Lucas Jackson]

"Milk", director Gus Van Sant's portrait of gay activist Harvey Milk, was hailed by the New York Film Critics Circle as the best film of 2008 on Wednesday.

"Milk" also earned awards for Sean Penn, in the title role, as best actor and Josh Brolin, who plays his political rival Dan White, as best supporting actor.

"Happy-Go-Lucky" also emerged as a multiple winner: Mike Leigh, who helmed the British feature, was named best director, and Sally Hawkins, who plays a cock-eyed optimist, was singled out as best actress.

The best supporting actress nod went to Penelope Cruz for her fiery performance as an ex-wife in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona".

"WALL-E", which was hailed by the Los Angeles critics as the year's best picture, was chosen best animated film by their New York counterparts.

James Marsh's altitude-defying doc "Man on Wire" was selected as best documentary. Cristian Mungiu's abortion drama "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" emerged as best foreign film.

Jenny Lumet earned best screenplay honors for "Rachel Getting Married".

Anthony Dod Mantle was named best cinematographer for his work in "Slumdog Millionaire".

"Frozen River", directed by Courtney Hunt, was elected best first film.

The awards will be presented to their recipients on January 5 at Strata in New York City.

By Gregg Kilday