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'Chico & Rita' scoops Spain's sole European Film Award

Lars von Trier biggest winner on the night with two prizes for 'Melancholia'

The musical love story Chico & Rita proved to be Spain's sole winner at the European Film Awards in Berlin on Saturday night. The Cuba-set romance, directed by Fernando Trueba, Xavier Mariscal and Tono Errando, won the award for best animated feature.

Neither of Spain's other candidates - Alberto Iglesias and Antxón Gómez, nominated for best music and best art direction, respectively, on Pedro Almódovar's The Skin I Live In - proved lucky in their categories. Iciar Bollain's Even the Rain also lost out on the audience award.

Videoing the moment on his cellphone, the designer Mariscal greeted his prize with a "Long live Europe," while Trueba dedicated the win to Cuban musician Bebo Valdés, whose compositions formed a key part of the film. "He was my great inspiration," said the Madrileño director.

No clear winners

Melancholia, controversial Danish director Lars von Trier's apocalyptic psychological drama, took home the big prize for best film as well as best art direction on a night on which there were no clear winners. The Academy Award-laden The King's Speech scooped best actor for Colin Firth and best editing, while fellow 2011 Oscar winner In a Better World won best director for Denmark's Susanne Bier.

Tilda Swinton was named best actress for her role in We Need to Talk About Kevin, while early 2012 Oscars favorite The Artist, Michel Hazanavicius' silent movie pastiche, won for best music.

The poster for Chico y Rita
The poster for Chico y RitaEUROPAPRESS
Xavier Mariscal, with Fernando Trueba and Tono Errando behind him, last night in Berlín.
Xavier Mariscal, with Fernando Trueba and Tono Errando behind him, last night in Berlín.EXEL SCHMIDT (REUTERS)
Recomendaciones EL PAÍS
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