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.