Gotham Awards: Charlize Theron feels the love

IFP's Gotham Independent Films Awards went off Monday in Manhattan with nary a "Dark Knight" rising -- though the event counted one evil queen in Charlize Theron.

The South African blond was on hand to accept a career achievement award on a night that saw honors for Brad Pitt's "Tree of Life," "Beginners" and actress Felicity Jones.

The once-bullied Theron looked chic in a black-and-white frock, flanked by her "Young Adult" director Jason Reitman, costar Patton Oswalt and gorgeous mom Gerda. Though the award was for Charlize exclusively, backstage she opened up about supporting other actresses.

Photos: Stars attend the 2011 IFP Gotham Independent Film Awards

Theron admitted that she was busy filming "Snow White and the Huntsman," but said she needed to catch up on some award-season filmsfeaturing her female peers.

"Of course, this idea that we're not supportive of each other is just total [bull]," she told THR.

Departing the Euphoria Calvin Klein lounge, Theron headed back to her table where she enjoyed her whole meal (including the bread and fondue, a Ministry onlooker said) and mingling with the likes of Zachary Quinto, Penn Badgley, Judy Greer and hostess Edie Falco.

While "Martha Marcy May Marlene"! star Li zzie Olsen lost the breakout award to Jones for "Like Crazy," she said she was grateful to be invited. And though she's more than made her mark with performances this year, some folks still mistake her for sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley.

"I'm 50/50," she admitted to some admirers, saying she had physical traits of both her siblings.

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-- Matt Donnellytwitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photo: Patton Oswalt, left, Charlize Theron and director Jason Reitman at the IFP's 21st Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards in New York City on Monday. Credit: Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images