Actress and filmmaker Nicole Garcia has been awarded the Francois-VictorNoury prize for her work as a director.

The prize comes with a Euros 20,000 purse and is given by the film andtelevision department of France's Academy of Beaux Arts. Prizes are awardedeach year by the foundation in different areas of the arts. The jury that votedon Garcia's award was made up of directors PierreSchoendoerffer, Gerard Oury, Roman Polanski and Francis Girod and actressJeanne Moreau.

Garcia, who has had roles in myriad films since hercareer debut in 1968, is currently preparing her fifth feature film, CharlieSays. The drama is a look at the interwoven lives of seven men andstars Jean-Pierre Bacri, Benoit Poelvoorde, Benoit Magimel and Vincent Lindon.

Wild Bunch is handling international sales on the filmslated for release in 2006.