THE BLACK BALLOON from ICON FILMS beat off stiff competition from Baz Luhrmann’s Australia to win the accolade of Best Film at last night’s FCCA Award ceremony in Sydney. The film’s director and co-writer Elissa Down also picked up the prestigious Best Director award for the uplifting and compelling story of growing up, fitting in and discovering love.

The films cast were also recognised at the awards where Toni Collette scooped Best Supporting Actress for her moving performance.

Last night’s triumph follows the film’s success at the 50th Australian Film Institute (AFI) Awards in December 2008 when THE BLACK BALLOON picked up six awards including Best Film, Best Direction, Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor.