Iran's Babak Payami was honored as best director for 'Secret Ballot', a social comedy which is the story of a woman in charge of a polling station in a remote Iranian village, and her interesting discussion with an official about democracy and the nation's social structure.

The Golden Lion for the best film was awarded to the Indian director Mira Nair's comedy "Monsoon Wedding", about a clash between tradition and modernism.

The film depicts four lively days in a Punjabi family leading up to a spectacular wedding ceremony, while the family members fly in from all over the world to attend the wedding.

Italy rounded out the top awards at the Lido, with Luigi Lo Cascio and Sandra Ceccarelli gaining best actor and actress awards for their roles in Giuseppe Piccioni's "Luce dei miei Occhi" (Light of My Eyes).

According to a report published by the French daily Liberation about the 58th Venice International Film Festival and the great welcome to Babak Payami's 'Secret Ballot', it was known as a perfect movie.

The review written by Liberation reporter wrote, "No authentic International Film Festival is held without entries from Iran, and this year's Venice International Film Festival was marked by a feature film, 'Secret Ballot', warmly hailed by curious viewers."

'Secret Ballot' is directed by the 35-year-old Iranian director, Babak Payami, a graduate from the Canadian University of Toronto in in cinematography.

His first long feature film titled 'One More Day' was acclaimed greatly in Berlin, and was awarded in Turin, Italy.

`Secret Ballot' was screened once more after its special screening at the festival.

According to a report released by the Italian News Agency (ANSA), "The thrilled viewers applauded the director of "Secret Ballot" for seven minutes.

The 58th Venice International Film Festival, held from August 29 until September 8, showcased a total of 146 films including 78 feature films, 56 short films and 12 documentaries in various sections.

Babak Payami's Secret Ballot with Nassim Abdi and Cyrus Abidi, a joint Iran-Italy production featured in the competition section.

The jury was presided over by Italian filmmaker Nanni Moretti, whose `The Son's Room' won the Palme d'Or award at the French Cannes film festival in May.