'Avatar' takes New York online critics' prize

Up in the Air and The Hurt Locker may have dominated the first batch of critics’ awards, but now there’s a new player to contend with: Avatar. James Cameron’s 3D epic won Best Picture honors from the New York Film Critics Online, which isn’t a huge surprise since the NYFCO often leans towards sci-fi and action films. Still, it’s the first such prize for Avatar, which seems to be gaining awards momentum. Here’s the full NYFCO list:

Picture Avatar

Director Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker

Actor Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart

Actress Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia

Supporting Actor Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds

Supporting Actress Mo’Nique, Precious

Breakthrough Performer Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds

Debut Director Marc Webb, (500) Days of Summer

Ensemble Cast In the Loop

Screenplay Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds

Documentary The Cove

Foreign Film The White Ribbon

Animated Up

Cinematography Inglourious Basterds

Music Crazy Heart