Thomas Robsahm's second Italian-language feature S.O.S. took home the Amanda Award for best Norwegian film at this year's Haugesund festival. Kjersti Holmen won best actress for both S.O.S and Sofie's World.

Robsahm, who has been working for national broadcaster NRK since 1992, also wrote and produced the film for his own production outfit Speranza Films.

Meanwhile veteran actor Bjorn Sundquist picked up his third and fourth Amanda awards; one for best actor in the TV series Sejer and the other an honorary award.

Sejer, directed by Eva Isaksen for NRK, was also chosen as best drama production for TV, and newcomer Mads Ousdal won the best debut prize for his role in The Wedding. Sam Mendes' American Beauty was awarded best foreign film.