The Southeastern Film Critics Association (SEFCA) has chosen Up in the Air as their choice for the Best Picture of 2009.  I've twice applied for membership in SEFCA but because I've only been a professional film critic for three years instead of five and only ascended to the managing editor of a major movie website, I don't get to participate.   That being said, I don't take much offense to their choices and I'm happy that they're helping to build the momentum towards Kathryn Bigelow becoming the first woman in history to win the Best Director Oscar.  However, I wouldn't give a single award to (500) Days of Summer, which landed on the Association's Top 10 list and got the award for Original Screenplay (which is the film's most boring aspect).

Anyway, hit the jump to move past my bitterness and see the full list of winners.

Best Picture:

Up in the Air

Ten Best Films of 2009:

1.Up in the Air

2. The Hurt Locker

3. Up

4. Inglourious Basterds

5.  A Serious Man

6. (500) Days of Summer

7. Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

8. The Messenger

9. Fantastic Mr. Fox

10. District 9

Best Director:

Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker

Best Actor:

George Clooney in Up in the Air

Best Actress:

Meryl Streep in Julie & Julia

Best Supporting Actor

Christopher Waltz in Inglourious Basterds

Best Supporting Actress:

Mo'Nique in Precious

Best Adapted Screenplay:

Up in the Air

Best Original Screenplay:

(500) Days of Summer

Best Animated Film:

Up

Best Foreign Language Film:

Summer Hours

Best Documentary:

Food Inc.