Dark 'Joker' wins at film fest

Todd Phillips' dark comic book film "Joker" won the Golden Lion Award at the 76th Venice International Film Festival on Saturday and cemented its place as a legitimate contender for the rest of the awards season.

Jury president Lucretia Martel announced the winners of the prestigious award during a ceremony on the Lido.

"I want to thank Warner Bros. and DC for stepping out of their comfort zone and taking such a bold swing on me and this movie," Phillips said with star Joaquin Phoenix by his side on stage.

Phoenix did not win the best actor prize — it went to Italian actor Luca Marinelli for the Jack London adaptation "Martin Eden" — but the director of "Joker" dedicated much of his speech to the talents of his leading man.

In the film, he transforms from struggling stand-up comedian Arthur Fleck into Batman's classic nemesis.

"Thank you for trusting me with your insane talents," Phillips said to Phoenix.

Roman Polanski's Dreyfus affair film, "An Officer and a Spy," won the grand jury prize.

Polanski, who fled the U.S. after pleading guilty to unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl and has been a fugitive for over 40 years, was not at the ceremony to accept the award.

Roy Andersson won best director for "About Endlessness," although hip complications prevented him from accepting the award in person.

Actress Ariane Ascaride took the best actress prize for the French domestic drama "Gloria Mundi." Olivia Colman won best actress in Venice last year for "The Favorite," and went on to win the best actress Oscar.

Notable films in the main competition leaving the Lido empty-handed include the Brad Pitt space epic "Ad Astra," Steven Soderbergh's Meryl Streep-led Panama...