Pablo Larrain biopic 'Neruda' wins big at Fenix Awards

PanARMENIAN.Net - Pablo Larrain's biopic Neruda, which premiered at Cannes earlier this year to enthusiastic reviews, won four Fenix Awards Wednesday night, December 7 including best picture, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The 3rd edition of the Fenix Awards, held in Mexico City, honors the best in cinema from Latin America, Spain and Portugal.

Neruda nabbed awards for editing, costume and art design as well.

The poet and his wife - played by Luis Gnecco and Mercedes Moran - pose for a taunting propaganda shot even while on the run from the government in this scene from 'Neruda.'

Larrain has been on a roll. His latest film Jackie, starring Natalie Portman as First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, also received rave reviews and Portman's performance is generating Oscar buzz.

The Fenix for best director went to Brazilian helmer Kleber Mendonca Filho for Aquarius, in which veteran actress Sonia Braga plays a widow who makes a final stand against greedy real-estate developers. Braga won best actress.

Other films garnering multiple awards were Brazil's Neon Bull, winner of best cinematography and screenplay, and Tatiana Huezo's Mexico-set Tempestad, which took home prizes for best documentary and cinematography.

Event organizer Cinema 23 honored Chilean filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky (The Dance of Reality) with a career achievement award.