Filmmaker Roman Polanski's political thriller The Ghost Writer has been named best picture at International Federation of Film Critics, in Spain.

The Rosemary's Baby filmmaker, who endured a tough year since he was taken into custody by Swiss officials in September 2009 over sex charges, had something to be happy about as his film was honoured with the award for the best film in Spain, aceshowbiz.com reports.

British actress Olivia Williams stepped up to accept the Fipresci Grand Prix 2010 award on behalf of Polanski and the movie's cast at a ceremony in the city of San Sebastian Friday.