Mirren is Queen of the Baftas

Dame Helen Mirren has won the Best Actress award at the Baftas for her role as Queen Elizabeth II in 'The Queen'.

Dame Helen was the favourite to win the award, after winning several other accolades, including a Golden Globe. She beat fellow British actresses Dame Judi Dench (nominated for 'Notes On A Scandal') and Kate Winslet (nominated for 'Little Children') to win the award.

There were few surprises in the Best Actor category, with Forest Whitaker continuing his award-winning run by collecting the award for his role as Ugandan dictator in Idi Amin in 'The Last King Of Scotland'. However, there was disappointment for Daniel Craig, who had been hoping to become the first James Bond star to win a Bafta for his first outing as 007 in 'Casino Royale'.

'Casino Royale' had been nominated for nine awards, but only picked up one - for 'Best Sound'. However, the film's female star, French actress Eva Green, won the Orange rising star award.

Former 'American Idol' contestant, Jennifer Hudson also continued her winning run by picking up the award for Best Supporting Actress, while Alan Arkin was named Best Supporting Actor for his role in the independent road movie 'Little Miss Sunshine', which also won the award for Best Original Screenplay.

'The Queen' was also named Best Picture, beating 'Babel, 'The Departed', 'The Last King of Scotland' and 'Little Miss Sunshine'. However, there was disappointment for director Stephen Frears, who lost out in the Best Director category to Paul Greengrass who collected the award for his September 11 drama 'United 93'.

However, 'The Last King Of Scotland' won the award for 'Outstanding British Film of the Year' , as well as 'Best Adapted Screenplay'.

'Pan's Labyrinth' also picked up three awards, including one for Best Film Not In The English Language.

(KMcA)