LONDON (AP) — Writer-director Kelly Reichardt's spare and subtle Montana drama "Certain Women" has won the best-picture prize at the London Film Festival, while "12 Years a Slave" director Steve McQueen received a major career award. A tale of interracial love and politics inspired by real events, it marked the first time that a black female director has held the prestigious opening slot at the festival. During the festival's black-tie awards ceremony Saturday at London's 17th-century Banqueting House, a jury headed by Greek director Athina Rachel Tsangari praised the masterful imagery and quiet modesty of Reichardt's film about three women — played by Kristen Stewart, Michelle Williams and Laura Dern — struggling with life in a chilly small town. Certain Women" beat other nominees including Paul Verhoeven's provocative revenge thriller "Elle;" Barry Jenkins' Miami coming-of-age drama "Moonlight;" and Chilean director Pablo Larrain's poet biopic "Neruda.
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