ROME, Sept. 11 (Xinhuanet) -- British director Mike Leigh's "Vera Drake", a movie portraying a back-street abortionist in 1950s London, won the top prize on Saturday for the best film at the 61st Venice International Film Festival.

 ;   British stage and film actress Imelda Staunton won the best actress award for her role in the movie.

    "In a cynical world, it is a wonderful thing and most reassuring when low-budget, serious, committed, independent European films are recognized and encouraged in this way to reach their audience," said 61-year-old Leigh as he accepted the prize. Enditem