MUMBAI: The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts has announced the winners of the opening edition of the AACTA International Awards that recognises International achievements in films in the following five award categories: Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor and Best Actress.
 
Taking a step ahead to a possible Oscar win the black and white, silent film The Artist was pronounced the big winner. The AACTA International Awards awarded the ‘Best Film’ award to producer Thomas Langmann while the ‘Best Direction’ award was given to French director Michel Hazanavicius.

The film’s lead actor, Jean Dujardin, was adjudged ‘Best Actor’ for his powerful performance as George Valentin.
 
On the other hand, Meryl Streep took home the AACTA International Award for ‘Best Actress’ for her role in The Iron Lady edging out five other nominees in the category, with her impressive portrayal of former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.
 
The award for ‘Best Screenplay’ proved fiercely competitive with two joint winners. The winners were the adapted screenplay from The Ides of March for George Clooney, Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon and the original screenplay from Margin Call for first time writer and director J.C. Chandor.

The AACTA International Awards recognise film excellence regardless of geography, as determined by a jury of eminent Australian screen practitioners from a cross-section of crafts, and with a wealth of local and international experience.