Christopher Nolam's sci-fi blockbuster "Inception" has proved to be a serious awards season contender after picking up eight prizes from the Phoenix Film Critics Society. The movie, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, took a number of the organization's top trophies, including best director for Nolan, original screenplay, original score and editing.
The coveted best picture prize went to Colin Firth's royal drama "The King's Speech", while the British star also received an acting award for his part in the film. Natalie Portman was feted for her role in "Black Swan" and other winners included Christian Bale ("The Fighter"), "The Social Network", "Alice in Wonderland" and "Biutiful". Previously, "Inception" was nominated for Best Picture at the 2010 Online Film Critics Society Awards. It is vying against "Black Swan", "The Social Network", "Toy Story 3", "True Grit" and "Winter's Bone".