Independently made Iraq war movie 'The Hurt Locker' has won a second key film critics award in a week heavy with nominations that are likely to set the stage for the Oscars.

The New York Film Critics Circle named 'The Hurt Locker' -- about US bomb disposal experts in Iraq -- its film of the year and gave Kathryn Bigelow her second directing award in two days.

Bigelow and the movie also won honors on Sunday from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.

George Clooney was named best actor by the New York circle for his roles in both 'Up In The Air' and for voice work in animated movie 'Fantastic Mr.Fox'. Veteran Meryl Streep was a surprise choice for best actress playing television chef Julia Child in 'Julie and Julia'.

Some of the most influential choices will come today (December 15) with the Golden Globe nominations, and on December 17 when the Screen Actors Guild announces its list of contenders for the top movies and performances of 2009.

Until now, most nominations and awards have been picked by US critics and independent movie groups, and have shown little broad consensus ahead of the coveted Oscar race. – Reuters