`The Hurt Locker' as best picture

Iraq war drama "The Hurt Locker" and its director took top honors at the Critics' Choice Awards, while Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" and James Cameron's "Avatar" won the most awards.

Director-producer Kathryn Bigelow was named best director at Friday's ceremony for "Locker," winner of the best picture prize.

Accepting the best picture award, screenwriter-producer Mark Boal said the award belongs to Bigelow "for her singular vision, for her endless inspiration and for never taking no as an answer" according to AP.