The ultra-violent controversial Brazilian film -- Tropa De Elite -- won the top prize as the Best Film, at the 2008 Berlin Film Festival, in what could probably be a controversial decision by the jury. The main competition in the line-up included 21 entries and nearly 400 movies that were showcased in different sections of the festival. The movie was based on the theme of violence, corruption and murder. The film features a crack squad of Brazilian crime fighters taking on the armed drug lords, in Rio's city slums. The film was awarded the Golden Bear -- Germany's answer to the Oscar. The Best Actress award was given to Sally Hawkins for her role as a school teacher named Poppy in 'Happy-Go-Lucky'. Elated on receiving the award, she said,"It is just such an honour. I cannot begin to express how I am feeling right now." The Best Actor award was bestowed upon Iran's -- Reza Naji -- for his role in 'The Song of Sparrows'. While, Paul Thomas Anderson was named Best Director for 'There Will Be Blood' -- a film that has already been nominated for eight Oscars. Overjoyed with this achievement, Paul Thomas Anderson said, "To Daniel Day Lewis, a terrific actor who makes any director look like a good director. Thank you very much for this generous award." The Berlin Film Festival is Europe's first major film festival of the year 2008 and this ceremony was brought to a spectacular close after 11 days of screening, red carpet premieres and parties. ... read more »