Sean Penn picked as best actor by Los Angeles Film Critics...

My Oscar prediction for Sean Penn got some major credibility Tuesday with the actor being named best actor by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.

Supporting actors in "Milk" were bypassed in favor of the late Heath Ledger who was picked as best supporting actor for his performance as Joker in "The Dark Knight."

Other winners: The animated smash "WALL-E" as best picture ("Knight" was runner-up), Sally Hawkins got the best-actress prize for the British comic drama "Happy-Go-Lucky." and Penelope Cruz was chosen for supporting actress in the Woody Allen romance "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," as well as her role in the drama "Elegy."

Danny Boyle took directing honors for "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Happy-Go-Lucky" director Mike Leigh won for best screenplay.