South Korean thriller "Burning" was awarded the Fipresci International Critics' Prize for best film in the main competition section of this year's Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

The movie by Lee Chang-dong grabbed the prize during the awards ceremony at the 71st festival in France.

Lee said that "Burning" is a mystery exploring reality and unreality, what is present and what is not and what is visible and what is not.

Premiered in the festival's Competition section, "Burning" is based on Japanese author Haruki Murakami's short story "Barn Burning."

Meanwhile, Japan's "Shoplifters" directed by Hirozazu Kore-eda won the Palme d’Or as the best film at this year's festival.