NEW YORK – The National Board of Review has picked "Slumdog Millionaire" as the year's best film.

The board's picks are considered the first major indication of the Academy Awards. The win boosts the awards hopes for "Slumdog," which is viewed as the independent film most likely to follow "Juno" and "Little Miss Sunshine" in Oscar contention.

Clint Eastwood was selected as best actor for his performance in the not-yet-released "Gran Torino," and best actress went to Anne Hathaway for "Rachel Getting Married."

David Fincher won best director for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."