New Clint Eastwood film wins top prize

Letters From Iwo Jima, the story of Japanese-American conflict during World War II, has been named as best picture of the year by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.

The film is directed by Clint Eastwood and is a companion piece to the movie veteran's latest project, Flags Of Our Fathers, reports Studio Briefing.

Although Eastwood missed out on the prize for best director, the award for best picture is one of many that have been given to the former mayor throughout his extensive career.

Beginning his career as an actor in films such as Kelly's Heroes and Coogan's Bluff, the California native branched out into directing movies including Play Misty for Me and The Outlaw Josey Wales.

However, in recent times he has concentrated his efforts behind the camera with Oscar-winning dramas such as Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby, which tells the story of a determined female boxer.

The film brought him Oscars for best director and best picture while also earning Hilary Swank and Morgan Freeman the coveted gold statuettes for their performances.

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