'Social Network' bags National Critics awards

The Social Network has dominated the National Society of Film Critics Awards with four gongs.

The David Fincher-directed film - based on the founding of Facebook - was named Best Picture, with the filmmaker also named Best Director.

Writer Aaron Sorkin picked up Best Screenplay for his script, while Jesse Eisenberg won Best Actor for his portrayal of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, beating The King's Speech star Colin Firth.

The media is now abuzz with confident statements that the latest success will strengthen The Social Network's chances of eventual recognition at the upcoming Academy Awards.

Other winners chosen by The National Society of Film Critics - comprised of members from newspapers in Los Angeles, Boston, New York and Chicago - included Best Actress Giovanna Mezzogiorno for playing Mussolini's lover in Vincere, Best Supporting Actress Olivia Williams for The Ghost and Best Supporting Actor Geoffrey Rush for The King's Speech, who pipped The Fighter's Christian Bale.