British film Happy-Go-Lucky was among the big winners at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards, collecting two awards.

Mike Leigh was named best director and Sally Hawkins received the Best Actress nod for her role in Mike Leigh's drama Happy-Go-Lucky.

The awards come just five days before the Golden Globes where the film is up for nomination for the Best Comedy or Musical and Sally Hawkins is nominated for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical.

Milk continued to rack up accolades as Sean Penn was presented the Best Actor award by director Gus Van Sant.

Actor Josh Brolin was also recognised - he picked up the Best Supporting Actor award for Milk.

Brolin said he tries not to pay attention to what critics think, but he often can not help it.

"I would like to say no but I do. I do. I actually go and I look at these blogs and, you know, I like to know what people are saying," he said.

Penelope Cruz's performance in Vicky Cristina Barcelona was rewarded with a Best Supporting Actress win.

She said she planned to dedicate her award to the movie's director, Woody Allen, who "doesn't go out as much to these things".

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