Variety reports:
Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life has added to its Cannes Palme d'Or win this May by taking the Grand Prix for film of the year, awarded by the Intl. Federation of Film Critics (Fipresci).
“It's comforting to discover so many generous hearts that encourage myself and all those who work with me to continue forging ahead," Malick said in a statement.
The prize will be presented Sept. 16 at the opening gala of the 59th San Sebastian Film Festival, where The Tree of Life opens the fest's Zabaltegi-Pearls section.
The prize will be collected by an exec at Tripictures, the Spanish distributor of the film, the San Sebastian fest announced Friday, scotching major speculation that pic's stars Brad Pitt or Sean Penn will pick up the award.
Malick is unable to attend the gala, the festival said. Known for his shyness, Malick did not attend the Cannes prize ceremony either.
The Grand Prix prizes a film that has premiered since July of the past year. It is awarded to honor overall artistic quality.
More than 200 critics voted for the latest Grand Prix, giving Malick a "clear victory," Fipresci confirmed Friday.
Malick's Badlands won San Sebastian's top Golden Shell in 1974. The Spanish fest has hosted the Fipresci Grand Prix award since 1999.
The jury is still out on whether or not The Tree of Life remains an Oscar threat, but FIPRESCI and the Palme d'Or certainly don't hurt its chances.
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