AUSTIN,TEXAS/ CANNES, FRANCE: Terrence Malick's "Tree Of Life" Wins Palme d'Or.

REUTERS      (Above: "Tree of Life" Producers Dede Gardner, Bill Pohlad )

     In a huge win for Austin filmmakers, Texas director Terrence Malick's epic "Tree of Life" was awarded the prestigious Palme d'Or for best picture at the 2011 Cannes film festival.
     It is only 68-year-old Malick's fifth feature, a metaphysical epic starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn.
     Malick was as reclusive and mysterious at Cannes...as he is here in Austin...frustrating the paparazzi.
     He reportedly hates being photographed...and did not show-up in person to accept the award.