‘Knight’ top choice for film critics group

The African-American Film Critics Association says The Dark Knight is its movie of the year thanks, in part, to the late Australian actor Heath Ledger.

The critics group announced Friday the newest movie about the comic book hero Batman beat out all other 2008 contenders abetted by Ledger’s best supporting actor award-winning performance, Ledger, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Ledger plays Batman’s nemesis, the Joker, in the action-drama. The actor died in January of an accidental drug overdose, but has earned kudos for his work in the Christopher Nolan-directed blockbuster.

The African-American group also honored actor Frank Langella with a best actor award for his portrayal of disgraced U.S. President Richard Nixon in the political drama Frost/Nixon.

Angelina Jolie’s role in the film The Changeling earned her a best actress award of 2008, while the group tabbed Doubt actress Viola Davis as best supporting actress.

The Times said the association, which is consisted of African-American media professionals from across the nation, gave director Danny Boyle best director kudos for 2008 for Slumdog Millionaire.