Enigmatic Malick wins top Cannes prize for 'Tree of Life'

Enigmatic US director Terrence Malick on Sunday won the Cannes film festival's top award, the Palme d'Or, for his "The Tree of Life" about a tyrannical father in Texas and the origin of life.

Co-producer Bill Pohlad accepted the award on behalf of the famously reclusive Malick, who did not promote the film at Cannes as he thought it should speak for itself.

"I know he is thrilled with this award, as are all of us," Pohlad said.

"'The Tree of Life' was a long road," he said of the film that had been due to be screened at the 2010 festival before Malick decided it needed more work.

"About a year ago at this time it seemed even longer but coming here and having this happen and getting this award tonight has made it all worthwhile," Pohlad said, thanking the "amazing" jury.