"Original" wins top prize at Shanghai Film Festival

"Original" wins top prize at Shanghai Film Festival

BEIJING, June 22 -- Top award at the 12th Shanghai International Film Festival went to "Original," a Danish-Swedish co-production and a feature debut for its young directors.

Sverrir Gudnason, who stars in the Golden Goblet winner "Original," shows his award for best actor at the closing of the 12th Shanghai International Film Festival at the Shanghai Grand Theater, June 21, 2009.

The Golden Goblet winner was announced as the festival came to a close at the Shanghai Grand Theater Sunday night.

Antonio Tublen and Alexander Brondsted's movie centers on the hilarious adventures of a paranoid young man who finally transforms himself.

Sverrir Gudnason, who plays the hero, was named best actor.

"I feel so good," said Gudnason. "This is the best thing that anybody has given to me and will keep me going on."

Danish actress Simone Tang, who depicts the bittersweet growth of a high school student in the movie "Aching Hearts," won the best actress award.

Danish actress Simone Tang of "Aching Hearts" wipes away a tear after receiving the award for best actress at the closing of the 12th Shanghai International Film Festival at the Shanghai Grand Theater, June 21, 2009.

Czech film maker Julius Sevcik took the best director award for his suspense thriller "Normal." "It is a big honor to me," said Sevcik. "My favorite director is Wong Kar-wai. This award, actually, is for all the crew who worked on this film."

The best screenplay award went to Italian scriptwriters Fabio Bonifacci and Giulio Manfredonia for "We Can Do That," a moving story about a group of former mental patients.

South Korean composer Roh Hyoung-woo won the best music award for his score for "Rough Cut."

Best cinematography went to French cameramen Nicolas Guicheteau and Hans Meier, who shot the French film "Nowhere Promised Land."

Chinese film "The Search" received the Jury Grand Prix while another domestic entry "Empire of Silver" was given the Jury Award.

This year 16 films from more than 10 countries were vying for awards during the nine-day event.

At the closing ceremony, the festival honored American composer Quincy Jones with a Lifetime Achievement award. Jones has written scores for 33 films and plans to cooperate with Chinese musician Tan Dun on a theme song for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

French actress Isabelle Huppert was honored with an Outstanding Artistic Achievement award.

Hollywood thriller "Angels & Demons," starring Tom Hanks and Ewan McGregor, was the closing film.

Czech film maker Julius Sevcik is awared with the best director award for his suspense thriller "Normal" at the closing of the 12th Shanghai International Film Festival at the Shanghai Grand Theater, June 21, 2009.

U.S. musician Quincy Jones is awarded with a Lifetime Achievement award the 12th Shanghai International Film Festival at Shanghai Grand Theater Sunday June 21, 2009 in Shanghai China.

Cast members of Chinese film "Empire of Silver" show the Jury Award at the closing of the 12th Shanghai International Film Festival at the Shanghai Grand Theater, June 21, 2009.

Cast members of Chinese film "The Search" shows the Jury Grand Prix at the closing of the 12th Shanghai International Film Festival at the Shanghai Grand Theater, June 21, 2009.
Source: Shanghai Daily