A bug-eyed robot has edged out the Caped Crusader for top movie of 2008 according to the Los Angeles Critics Assn.

The group chose Pixar’s “WALL-E” as the year’s best picture in its annual voting Tuesday, marking the first time in the association’s history that it has given the title to an animated film.

Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” fell just short of the honour, taking the runner-up spot instead. However, the blockbuster did earn a win in the best supporting actor category for the late Heath Ledger’s performance as the Joker.

Penelope Cruz won in the supporting actress category for her work in two films: “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” and “Elegy.”

Overall, no one film dominated the winners’ list. Sean Penn was named best actor for his portrayal of late San Francisco gay politician Harvey Milk in “Milk,” while Sally Hawkins won best actress for her role as a free-spirited schoolteacher in “Happy-Go-Lucky.”

Best director went to Danny Boyle for “Slumdog Millionaire,” which was named best film of 2008 last week by the National Board of Review.

The awards will be presented Jan. 12 at the critics’ annual banquet.






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