Reuters reports that British director Mike Leigh's "Vera Drake", a tough tale of a working-class mother who is caught performing illegal abortions in 1950s England, won the Golden Lion on Saturday for best film at the Venice International Film Festival.
On top of that, acclaimed British stage and film actress Imelda Staunton won the festival's best actress award for her role in the movie of a back-street abortionist who acts not for financial gain but out of concern for girls and women in trouble.
Accepting his award, Leigh said "In a cynical world, it is a wonderful thing and most reassuring when low-budget, serious, committed, independent European films are recognized and encouraged in this way to reach their audience". He also jokes "I would like to thank most sincerely the Cannes film festival for rejecting this film so I could come to Venice".
Many top critics had declared the film almost certain to win the top award when it was announced. The other big recipient was Alejandro Amenabar's "Mar Adentro" ("Out to Sea"), the true story of a Spanish sailor who fought for 30 years for the right to die after a diving accident left him paralyzed. 'Sea' won the Jury Grand Prix, while the best actor prize went to Spain's Javier Bardem for his portrayal of Ramon Sampedro.
Kim Ki-Duk won best director for his film "3-iron".
Thanks to 'Casey'.
