Hou Hsiao-hsien’s “The Assassin” and “Rams” actors Sigurður Sigurjónsson and Theodór Júlíusson are among jury award winners of the 27th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, TheWrap reveals.
The festival was held from Jan. 1-11, and screened 180 films from 60 countries. “Assassin,” which follows a beautiful and deadly woman on a mission in 9th century China, came out on top alongside India’s “Umrika,” which won the HP Bridging the Borders Awards.
The men of “Rams,” about estranged brothers on a sheep farm, were recognized by the jury “for the graceful way in which they guided their characters from animosity to interdependence.”
Best Actress went to Alena Mihulová for her portrait of a frazzled nurse in “Home Care.”
Read the full list of winners:
FIPRESCI Prize for Best Foreign Language Film of the Year The Assassin (Taiwan), directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien
FIPRESCI Prize for the Best Actor of the Year in a Foreign Language Film Sigurður Sigurjónsson and Theodór Júlíussonfrom Rams (Iceland)
FIPRESCI Prize for Best Actress of the Year in a Foreign Language Film Alena Mihulová from Home Care (Czech Republic)
New Voices/New Visions Award Winner: Death By Death (Belgium/France), directed by Xavier Seron Special Mention: Thithi (India/US), directed by Raam Reddy
The John Schlesinger Award The Birth of Saké (Japan), directed by Erik Shirai
HP Bridging the Borders Award Umrika (India), directed by Prashant Nair
