The 2012 Genie Awards were handed out in Toronto Thursday night, and leading the pack of winners was none other than Monsieur Lazhar, which took home six awards.
The drama, which was nominated for an Oscar in the best foreign language category last month, earned director Phillipe Falardeau the Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay awards, along with the night's biggest prize, Best Picture.
I wrote a speech two weeks ago and I didn't have the chance to say it, but I feel really tempted to recycle the first phrase: I'd like to thank the members of the academy, Falardeau said in his acceptance speech.
Often dubbed the Canadian version of the Oscars, the Genies also showered David Cronenberg's A Dangerous Method with several prizes, including Best Supporting Actor for Viggo Mortenson.
Mortenson, who plays Sigmund Freud in the film, dedicated his Genie to the Montreal Canadians.
We'll be back next year with a vengeance, he added.
French actress Vanessa Paradis won the Best Actress award for her role in Café de Flore, which was nominated in 13 categories. Paradis, the former longtime love of Johnny Depp, did not attend Thursday's Genies.
The Genie Awards have recognized the best in Canadian film since 1980.
Click through for photos from the 32nd Genie Awards. For a full list of winners, visit the Genie Awards website.
Producers Luc Dery (top L) and Kim McCraw (top R), director Philippe Falardeau (top C) and actress Sophie Nelisse of "Monsieur Lazhar", hold their awards at the 32nd Genie Awards in Toronto, March 8, 2012.REUTERSDirector Philippe Falardeau holds his awards after his film "Monsieur Lazhar" won six awards at the 32nd Genie Awards in Toronto, March 8, 2012. REUTERSDirector Philippe Falardeau (L) of the film "Monsieur Lazhar" poses with actor Viggo Mortensen (R) of the film "A Dangerous Method" as they hold their Genie awards behind a Montreal Canadiens flag at the 32nd Genie Awards in Toronto, March 8, 2012.REUTERSActor Viggo Mortensen holds his Genie award while he wears a Montreal Canadiens flag after winning best supporting actor for his role in "A Dangerous Method", at the 32nd Genie Awards in Toronto, March 8, 2012.REUTERSSophie Nelisse holds her Genie award for best supporting actress for her role in " Monsieur Lazhar", at the 32nd Genie Awards in Toronto, March 8, 2012.REUTERSKen Scott (L) and Martin Petit hold their awards for best original screenplay for "Starbuck" at the 32nd Genie Awards in Toronto, March 8, 2012.REUTERSAnne Emond holds the Genie for the Claude Jutra Award for her work in "Nuit #1" at the 32nd Genie Awards in Toronto, March 8, 2012. REUTERSPresenter Jason Priestley arrives on the red carpet for the 32nd Genie Awards in Toronto, March 8, 2012.REUTERSNominee for best actress in a supporting role Roxana Condurache, for her role in "The Whistleblower", arrives on the red carpet for the 32nd Genie Awards in Toronto, March 8, 2012.REUTERSNominee for best actor in a supporting role Viggo Mortensen, for his role in "A Dangerous Method", arrives on the red carpet for the 32nd Genie Awards in Toronto, March 8, 2012.REUTERSNominee for achievement in direction David Cronenberg for his work in "A Dangerous Method" arrives on the red carpet for the 32nd Genie Awards in Toronto, March 8, 2012.REUTERS
