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"Up in the Air" Wins Big at National Board Awards

George Clooney is on a roll. The actor picked up another best actor award in New York on Tuesday night, Jan. 12, at the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures annual awards gala for “Up in the Air,” sharing the accolades with Morgan Freeman, who also won best actor for his portrayal of former South African president Nelson Mandela in “Invictus.”

“You hear that, Morgan? That’s right, pal...Nelson Mandela, huh,” joked Clooney in mock skepticism as he started his acceptance speech about fellow winner Morgan Freeman. “First of all, to share an award with Morgan Freeman is an honor. As you can imagine, you’d want to share anything with him. He raises the bar too high for everyone. It’s an honor to be on the stage with him. He’s a friend, and anytime you get to be around Morgan, it’s fun. Do it.”

Clint Eastwood, who directed Freeman in “Invictus,” won best director.

Clooney also went on to praise “Up in the Air” director Jason Reitman, whose film won for best picture. “Actors are only as good as the screenplay and the director,” said Clooney.

Another “Up in the Air” performance was also honored at the gala. Clooney’s co-star Anna Kendrick won the award for best supporting actress.

Best supporting actor went to Woody Harrelson for “The Messenger.”

Carey Mulligan of “An Education,” sporting a short Audrey Hepburn-like cropped hairdo and chic little black dress with flutter sleeves, accepted the award for best actress, and first-time actress Gabourey Sidibe, wearing a deep amethyst draped satin gown by David Meister, won the “Breakthrough Performance by an Actress” award for “Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire.”

Jeremy Renner, who starred in Academy Award favorite “The Hurt Locker,” which picked up best picture honors at Monday’s New York Film Critics Circle awards, took home the National Board award for “Breakthrough Performance by an Actor.”

Director Wes Anderson accepted his award, “Special Filmmaking Achievement,” first as a stop animation character, in reference to his latest film, “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” before stepping up to the podium.

The National Board of Review of Motion Pictures is a not-for-profit group that has honored achievement in film for over 100 years. The 2009 award winners were first announced by the board on Dec. 3, 2009.

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