Alfonso Cuarón really does know how to make movies for grownups…

The 52-year-old Mexican filmmaker, nominated for three Academy Awards, recently picked up the trophy for Best Director at the 13th annual AARP Movies for Grownups awards, held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

The voting process for the 16 categories took place in early December 2013 and was officially announced in January. Nebraska’s Bruce Dern, who won for best actor, received a standing ovation. Calling the event a “geezer’s dinner,” Dern went on to say, “I’m very grateful, and I’ll tell you why. When Nebraska found out that I won an AARP award, they thought that was the biggest award there is,” joked Dern in his speech.

Cuarón won the award for his critically acclaimed 3d sci-fi thriller Gravity, which has earned numerous awards this season.

When I started with Gravity, I was not eligible to be a member of AARP,” the director joked. “Cinema is transcending generations and I’m grateful for all of you who saw the film. The adversity in the movie is constant in our life and it shapes who we are.”

Meanwhile, Philomena Lee, the real-life inspiration for Philomena, also received a standing ovation as she accepted best actress award on Judi Dench’s behalf, who was in India filming The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 2.