Highly-rated movie AMELIE (2000) has picked up the Best Picture award at the Cesars, the French equivalent of the OSCARS. The creative comedy also won for Best Director, with JEAN-PIERRE JEUNET scooping that accolade. But its much-praised star, AUDREY TAUTOU, was passed over for best actress in favour of EMMANUELLE DEVOS. Amelie (2000) won two other awards at the ceremony on Saturday evening (2nd March 2002) - for music and art direction.

It had received a record 13 nominations. Already the top-grossing French film ever in the United States, Amelie is a leading candidate for best foreign film at the Oscars on 24 March. The award for Best Foreign film went to DAVID LYNCH's MULHOLLAND Drive (2001).

Source: WENN