Yoji Yamada's The Twilight Samurai has been voted the best Japanese film of 2002 by the Kinema Junpo critics' poll, while scooping five other awards.

Considered the most prestigious honor in the Japanese film industry, the Kinema Junpo poll is now celebrating its 76th year. The best foreign film, according the to magazine's panel of critics, was Road to Perdition.

Meanwhile, the best director prize went to Yamada, a veteran best known abroad for his 48-episode Tora-san series. Yamada also shared the screenplay prize with long-time collaborator Yoshitaka Asama.

The Best Actress award was given to RieMiyazawa and the Best Actor prize to Hiroyuki Sanada, both for their performances in The Twilight Samurai.

Rounding out the Japanese best ten list were In Prison (Keimusho no Naka), KT, Out, Aiki, The Laughing Frog (Warau Kaeru), Amidado Dayori, Gomen (Sorry), Ping Pong, and A Woman's Work (Travaille).

Founded in 1919, Kinema Junpo is Japan's oldest and most prestigious film magazine.