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The National Society of Film Critics has awarded Britain's Mike Leigh its awards for Best Director and Best Screenplay for his newest film Happy-Go-Lucky, according to The Associated Press.

The group gave its Best Picture award for the animated film Waltz With Bashir; Sean Penn was named Best Actor for his portrayal of the late gay rights activist Harvey Milk in Gus Van Sant's Milk; and Sally Hawkins was named Best Actress for starring in Leigh's film.

Leigh's plays include Two Thousand Years, Goosepimples, Abigail's Party, Ecstasy, and Smelling a Rat. His previous films, including Secrets and Lies, Topsy-Turvy, Naked. and Vera Drake, have earned him a total of five Academy Award nominations.