Romanian movie “4 Months, 2 Weeks and 2 Days,” directed by Cristian Mungiu won the best film prize at the 20^th annual European Film Awards, a festivity held Saturday in Berlin.

Mungiu’s low-budget production is a drama about two friends having problems when one of them decides to have an illegal abortion in Communist-ruled Romania. The movie previously won the Palme D’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in May.

"I'm very honored by the award," said Mungiu obviously moved when receiving the award.

The movie also gained the best director award for Mungiu and according to some film critics is a favorite in the foreign film race at the Oscars where it is nominated for best director and screenplay too.

Between other winners at Berlin also numbered actress Helen Mirren who won best actress for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in “The Queen.” The movie also won Alexander Desplat the award for best music composer.

Sasson Gabai was the surprise of the night winning best actor for Israel’s “The Band’s Visit,” a comedy about an Egyptian police band lost in an Israeli City. The movie’s director, Eran Kolirin, won European Discovery of the Year.

"I would like to thank everyone who worked with me on the film," Kolirin said.
 
It was the first time when Israeli artists have won awards at this competition since Israel joined the academy in 2004. Gabai beat five other nominees, including French actor Michael Piccoli.

Another movie that won multiple prizes was “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer,” taking prizes for it cinematography (Frank Griebe) and production design (Uli Hanisch).

“Paper Cannot Wrap Up Embers” won the documentary prize.

Critic’s award went to Alain Resnais’ “Private Fears in Public Places” (Coeurs).

Italian movie “La Sconosciuta” (The Unknown) brought its director Giuseppe Tornatore the People’s Choice Award.

The award for the best screenwriter was handed to German-Turkish director Fatih Akin for “The Edge of Heaven.” The movie was a favorite at Cannes where it took the prize for the best screenplay as well.

French Film MakerJean-Luc Godard was honored with lifetime achievement award by the European Film Academy, but was not present at the ceremony to enjoy the award.

Next year ceremony of the EFA will be held in Copenhagen.