Romanian feature length movie 'Aurora', directed by Cristi Puiu, won the best movie award at the Gopo film awards in Bucharest on Monday evening (March 26 ). Puiu, who also stars in his movie as the leading character, received two trophies during the evening, one for best director and a second for best script. His movie 'Aurora' was nominated in ten categories and landed three prizes- best movie, best director and best script. The film premiered at the Cannes festival in 2010. Director Cristi Puiu previously won 'Un Certain Regard' in Cannes in 2005 for his film 'The Death of Mr. Lazarescu'.

Feature length movie 'Periferic', by Bogdan George Apetri, which had 12 nominations at the Gopo wards, ended the evening with five trophies, including best actress in leading role, for Ana Ularu, the best actress in a supporting role for Ioana Flora and the best debut movie. The movie 'Loverboy', by Catalin Mitulescu, nominated in nine categories, did not receive any awards.

Over 400 professionals in the Romanian film industry were invited to cast their secret vote and name the winners of Gopo trophies this year. The Gopo awards are named after celebrated Romanian cartoonist Ion Popescu Gopo, who won a Palme D'Or at Cannes in 1957. He created 'Gopo's Man'. Trophies for the awards are shaped like Gopo's eponymous hero. The list of those who voted here.

The full list of winners for 2012 here.

editor@romania-insider.com

(photo source: Gopo awards Facebook page, photo by Adi Marineci)