LONDON, England -- After mixed reviews for 2006's "The Fountain," which had its world premiere at Venice (several critics booed the film at the press screening but it received a 10-minute standing ovation at the public screening the next night), Darren Aronofsky has finally scored the Lido's top prize with his latest film "The Wrestler," starring Mickey Rourke (pictured), Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood.

This win and the film's storyline, which is more conventional than earlier films like "Pi" and "Requiem for a Dream," should propel Aronofsky into a more commercial global market -- and, of course, put the film into Oscars contention.

The Silver Lion for Best Direction went to Russia's Aleksei German Jr for "Paper Soldier," the story of a doctor working with the first Soviet cosmonauts; Best Actor went to Silvio Orlando for his portrayal of the father of a young girl who commits murder in Pupi Avati's "Il Papa di Giovanna"; and Best Actress went to Dominique Blanc as a woman who can't cope with her independence in "L'Autre."

Labels: mickey rourke, the wrestler, venice film festival