Slumdog wins Writers Guild prize

Slumdog Millionaire is hotly tipped to do well at the Oscars.

British movie Slumdog Millionaire has been named best adapted screenplay at the Writers Guild of America for writer Simon Beaufoy.

The rags-to-riches film, set in India, is hotly tipped to win at the Oscars.

It has now earned top awards from the other major Hollywood guilds including best director for Danny Boyle, from the Directors Guild of America.

The Producers Guild of America named it best movie and the Screen Actors Guild named the best ensemble cast.

Beaufoy was not available to pick up his WGA trophy as he was travelling to the UK to attend Sunday's Bafta awards.

Milk was the other big winner at the ceremony.

The movie, about 1970s gay politician Harvey Milk, took best original screenplay for Dustin Lance Black.

Speaking as he collected his prize, Black talked about how Milk's legacy had inspired him to write a film screenplay.

"Big dreams are how change really happens," he said.

"Join me in continuing this fight for civil rights."

Israeli war film Waltz with Bashir was named best documentary.