Snubbed by Oscars, ‘Le Havre’ Sweeps Finland’s Jussi Awards

3:12 AM PST 1/30/2012 by Scott Roxborough

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Courtesy of Cannes International Film Festival

Aki Kaurismaki’s French-language fairytale takes six prizes, including best film, at the national film honors in Helsinki.

COLOGNE, Germany – The Academy might not have liked Aki Kaurismaki’s Le Havre, but Finland’s film professionals gave it a standing ovation, giving the film six Jussi Awards, including best film, best director and best screenplay.

'Le Havre' Leads Finnish Film Noms

Le Havre: Cannes 2011 Review

The French-language tale of an old bohemian who befriends an illegal immigrant, also won best cinematography for Timo Salminen, best editing for Timo Linnasalo and the best supporting actress nod for Elina Salo. The 75-year-old Salo, a Kaurismaki regular, was also honored with a lifetime achievement honor.

Le Havre premiered at the Cannes film festival last year where it was a critical favorite. It was tipped to be one of the nominees for the best foreign language film Oscar. Instead, it was among this year’s biggest snubs.

The other big winner at Finland’s film awards was the war drama Silence from director Sakari Kirjavainen, which picked up four Jussis, including the best acting prize for star Joonas Saartamo.