Award to be presented Sept 16 in San Sebastian.

International critics group FIPRESCI has awarded its Grand Prix 2011 Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life.

The award recognises the best film of the past year (from July to July) as voted upon by the more than 200 members of the International Federation of Film Critics.

The group said that Malick’s Palme d’Or winner had a “clear victory” in the annual poll.

The award is presented on Sept 16 during the opening ceremony of the 59th San Sebastian International Film Festival. Malick’s Badlands won the Golden Shell in San Sebastian in 1974.