It isn't an Oscar or any other film industry prize, but Austrian director Michael Haneke says he is grateful for his award from the Austrian Society of Geriatric Medicine.

After all, he jokes, it comes with cash.

Haneke's "Amour" - this year's Academy Award winner for best foreign movie - also caught the eye of the society. It honored him Wednesday for its portrayal of a couple trying to come to terms with sickness and old age.

"Amour" also won a Golden Globe and Haneke said the time was right for the film, saying it "would have failed miserably 10 or 15 years ago."

Tongue in cheek, he also said he was happy about the 5,000 euros ($6,500) that come with the honor, "which can't be said of most awards."