Life of Pi Wins Audience Award at Mill Valley Film Fest

Ang Lee’s sweeping spiritual epic won the audience award and Ang Lee has won the International Filmmaker of the Year Award. From the press release:

The California Film Institute wrapped its 35^th Mill Valley Film Festival (October 4–14, 2012) after another successful 11-day run, once again solidifying its place as a world-class event, as top-notch industry participants joined an impressive roster of international stars whose newest works premiered alongside talented newcomers. Honoring actors John Hawkes, Billy Bob Thornton as well as directors Mira Nair, and Dustin Hoffman – making his directorial debut – the festival cemented its place as the West Coast’s premier launching pad for the awards season, celebrating great work by major film artists. The festival kicked off Opening Night with two exceptional films and a Gala reception for both. Silver Linings Playbook, making its US premier, with the director David O. Russell along with star Bradley Cooper appeared in Mill Valley to discuss the origins of this film, played alongside On The Road. On The Road’s producer Rebecca Yeldham was in attendance in San Rafael talking about bringing the beloved American novel to the big screen. The festival concluded with the Closing Night film, Life of Pi with the Director Ang Lee who was presented with Variety’s inaugural International Filmmaker of the Year Award. Ang Lee was joined at the festival by Elizabeth Gabler, President of Fox 2000 Pictures, and Jim Gianopulos, Chairman and CEO of Twentieth Century Fox Film. Once again, festival attendees delighted in the discovery of local and independent features, while also getting early looks at the front runners, and prominent high-profile, Oscar®-track films.