Ang Lee wins best director Oscar for 'Life of Pi'

Los Angeles, Feb 25 (IANS) "Life of Pi" has won Ang Lee his second Oscar trophy for best director. He thanked Indian actor Suraj Sharma in his acceptance speech, which he ended with a warm "Namaste".

"Life of Pi", an adaptation of Canadian author Yann Martel's Man Booker Prize-winning eponymous novel, narrates the journey of an Indian boy who survives a storm. Widely shot in India, the fantasy adventure drama stars young Suraj in the lead role, with acclaimed Indian actors Irrfan and Tabu playing key parts.

In his acceptance speech, Lee thanked his producers, "Indian crew", Suraj and all technicians who worked on the movie.

"Suraj, where are you?" he said, and the cameras panned to Suraj, a 19-year-old Delhi boy, who made his acting debut with the movie. He waved at Lee with joy.

Others who were vying for the best director's trophy included Steven Spielberg ("Lincoln"), Michael Haneke ("Amour"), Benh Zeitlin ("Beasts of the Southern Wild") and David O. Russell ("Silver Linings Playbook").

Ang Lee had earlier won an Oscar for "Brokeback Mountain" in 2005.

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Life of PI