(Cover) - -No story type selected- - Tree of Life starring Brad Pitt has won the top honour at the Cannes International Film Festival.

Despite receiving a mixed reaction at the prestigious event when it was screened, the movie directed by Terrence Malick was awarded the Palme D'Or yesterday. Robert De Niro, who is president of the jury, made the announcement. However, Terrence is famously publicity shy and was not available to accept the prize. The fantasy drama following the lives of a family with three boys in the 50s and also stars Sean Penn and Jessica Chastain.

Kirsten Dunst was named best actress for her appearance in Melancholia, made by the controversial director Lars Von Trier. The filmmaker was banned from the festival last week after claiming he sympathised with Hitler.

Kirsten admitted it had been an eventful stay in France when she accepted her award. "What a week this has been," she said.

Other members of the nine-member Cannes jury included Jude Law and Uma Thurman.

Meanwhile, Brad and his partner Angelina Jolie flew from France back to the US to attend the premiere of Angelina's new movie Kung Fu Panda 2 in Los Angeles. The couple laughed and hugged each other on the red carpet and both looked every inch the Hollywood stars with Angelina in a black top and skirt with a slit up to her thigh, while Brad was dashing in a beige shirt and trousers.

Jack Black, who voices the title character in the animated movie, was also in attendance for the premiere at the legendary Grauman's Chinese Theatre. (C) Cover Media