Award Central News

Daniel Day-Lewis took home the actor trophy for his perf in Miramax's "There Will Be Blood," while Julie Christie won actress for Lionsgate's "Away From Her." Amy Ryan from Miramax's "Gone Baby Gone" was the critics' pick for supporting actress.

Stars including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Katie Holmes were able to attend the event because the production companies behind it and VH1, which aired the show live, are not WGA signatories. Still, the strike hung heavily in the air, as several presenters made pleas for the work stoppage to end.

"When a strike happens, it's not just writers or actors, it's restaurants and hotels and agencies (who are affected)," said George Clooney as he presented Don Cheadle with the inaugural Joel Siegel Award for his humanitarian work. "All the players involved should lock themselves in a room and not come out until they finish."

"Hairspray" and "Juno" each snagged two Critics' Choice nods, with the New Line musical scoring for ensemble and young actress for Nikki Blonsky and the Fox Searchlight laffer winning for comedy and writer for Diablo Cody.

"There Will Be Blood" also won for composer Jonny Greenwood.

The gala, hosted by D.L. Hughley, took place at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.