The SAG Awards

The 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards gives top honors to Slumdog Millionaire.

The Hollywood elite came out in force to honor their colleagues at the 15th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Sean Penn won the best actor category for his portrayal of gay rights activist Harvey Milk, in "Milk," while Meryl Streep was visibly surprised to earn top honors for her role as a vindictive Catholic nun in "Doubt."

SOUNDBITE Actress Merryl Streep saying (English):

"Well, I didn't even buy a dress, I'm really, really shocked, even though awards don't mean anything to me anymore. I'm really happy."

Heath Ledger became only the second person to win a posthumous "Best Supporting Actor" award for his role in "The Dark Knight" and Kate Winslet won for her role in "The Reader."

SOUNDBITE Actress Kate Winslet saying (English):

"I really feel like everybody should be given a medal. I have to say that because I really believe it to be true."

But it was indie favorite, "Slumdog Millionaire", the rags-to-riches tale of a Mumbai slum dweller that scored the top prize: best film of the year.

SOUNDBITE Actor Anil Kapoor saying (English):

"It was overwhelming enough to be nominated. But to win this is unbelievable."

All eyes are now look toward the ultimate award - the Oscars which takes place in Hollywood on February 22.

Michael Spear, Reuters