Nanni Moretti's The Caiman was named best picture at the 50th David di Donatello film awards, and took home six prizes.

Its main rival, MichelePlacido's Crime Novel, walked away with eight Donatellos, including best screenplay and supporting actor.

The Caiman, which screens in competition in Cannes, is a mix of marital drama and political expose' and carries a full frontal attack on Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, who it was confirmed last week had lost the national elections.

In addition to best film, TheCaiman also won best director, best actor for Silvio Orlando, and bestproducer for Moretti and Angelo Barbagallo, who produced through their Romeoutfit Sacher Film.

The film, released in Italy just two weeks before the country's elections, has grossed $7.6m (Euros 6.2m) at the box office from more than a millionadmissions.

Meanwhile in Rome'sAuditorium, the neck-and-neck race between The Caiman and Crime Novel ended with Michele Placido's film taking Donatellos for best screenplay, best supporting actor (Pierfrancesco Favino) and best cinematographer (Luca Bigazzi).

Best actress went to Valeria Golino for Antonio Capuano's La Guerra di Mario, about a middle-class couple who decide to foster a child.

Angela Finocchiaro took the best supporting actress award for Don't Tell and Crash was named best foreign film.