Anderson takes award in Berlin as Brazilian film shines

Paul Thomas Anderson celebrates his win in Berlin. Photo / Reuters

Violent Brazilian film The Elite Squad (Tropa De Elite) won the top prize at the Berlin Film Festival in what is likely to be a controversial decision.

The movie, already a hit in Brazil, portrays corruption and violence in a crack Rio anti-drug police squad.

Best actor went to Iran's Reza Naji in The Song of Sparrows, and Britain's Sally Hawkins was named best actress for Happy-Go-Lucky. Paul Thomas Anderson of the US won best director for There Will Be Blood.