Mexican blockbuster The Crime Of Father Amaro has won four Silver Goddess awards from the Mexican Press Association, Pecime.

Now on its 33rd edition, these are the second most prestigious awards after Mexico's Oscars, the Ariel.

Carlos Carrera's priest scandal drama went home with the awards for Best Picture, Director, Cinematography (for DoP Guillermo Granillo) and Actor for Gael Garcia Bernal last Tuesday, April 29th.

"These awards cap what we embarked on a year ago," said producer Daniel Birman of Alameda Films. "We are grateful for the continued support of the press which helped us through difficult moments," he added, in reference to censorship threats prior to its release.

El Crimen grossed a record-breaking $16m (Pesos 162m) as audiences flocked to see for themselves why all the religious and ultra conservative groups were enraged by it. In just 20 days, the Foreign Oscar nominee surpassed the all-time record set by ensemble comedy Sex, Shame And Tears which ended its theatrical run with $12.4m two years ago.

Fernando Sarinana's romantic drama Amar Te Duele won three Silver Goddesses: best supporting actor, best female newcomer and music. Walter Doehner won best directorial debut for his adultery drama La Habitacion Azul and Alejandro Gamboa's epic adventure tale El Tigre De Santa Julia took the best screenplay award.

Pedro Almodovar won more recognition for his acclaimed drama Talk To Her, winning the Best Foreign Film award.