'The Square' wins top prize at the IDA Awards

The Square received both the top award and a standing ovation at the 29th International Documentary Association Awards on Friday night in Hollywood.

According to Variety, director Jehane Noujaim said as she was presented with the best feature award, "I am dedicating this award to my fellow Egyptians."

Producer Karim Amer said in his acceptance speech, "Thank you for proving the power of interconnected stories can change the world."

The documentary, which Netflix picked up the distribution rights for, was also listed on the Academy Awards shortlist for best documentary and has won several other awards already, including the Audience Award for World Cinema at Sundance and the Toronto Film Festival's People's Choice Award.

The Square looks upon the political revolutions that happened in Tahrir Square in Cairo through the eyes of activists on every side of the issue. The documentary beat out The Act of Killing, Stories We Tell and Let the Fire Burn.

Noujiam said the movie was "The most deeply personal film of my life." During her speech, she expressed sadness that The Square was being blocked from showing in Cairo.

Some other awards presented include the Courage Under Fire award given to Laura Poitras. Alex Gibney was presented with the Career Achievement Award and Zachary Heinzering won the Jacqueline Donnet Emerging Documentary Filmmaker Award.

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