Italy’s “La Grande Bellezza” is European film of the year

Italian director Paolo Sorrentino’s “La Grande Bellezza” (The Great Beauty) won the 2013 film of the year prize from the European Film Academy and also took the best director and best actor honors.

Toni Servillo received the best actor prize at the 26th edition of the prizes Saturday night in Berlin.

Spanish director Pedro Almodovar was honored for his contributions to film.

“La Grande Bellezza” tells the story of aging journalist Jep Gambardella, played by Servillo, as he makes his way through Rome’s nightlife, encountering stereotypical characters in the Italian capital.

Belgium’s Veerle Baetens won the best actress prize for her role in “The Broken Circle Breakdown.”

The European Film Academy honored Almodovar for his contributions to world cinema and French actress Catherine Deneuve for lifetime achievement.

Spain’s Paco Delgado won the European Costume Designer Award for “Blancanieves,” a movie that was nominated for film of the year.

The Berlinbased European Film Academy was founded by Wim Wenders and other European filmmakers in 1989 as an alternative to Hollywood’s Oscars.