Slumdog Director Wins Further Accolade

A major awards ceremony last night saw several stars of the British film world dominating the prestigious event.

The Jameson Empire Awards brought together Hollywood actors and small screen personalities as well as household names from showbusiness at the glittering event in London last night.

The readers of Empire magazine voted in their droves, and the big winner of the night was The Dark Knight, which took home Best Film, Best Director for Christopher Nolan and Best Actor for Christian Bale.

Danny Boyle was there for his accolade, while Billy Bragg, Michael Sheen and Sean Bean were among the many other famous faces who attended.

Slumdog Millionaire and Trainspotting director Boyle won the outstanding contribution to British film award.

The award for Best British film did not go to Slumdog Millionaire, however, after film fans voted instead for Guy Ritchie's latest gangster effort - Rocknrolla.

Meanwhile, British star Bale had a successful evening, claiming the best actor prize while The Dark Knight, in which he played Batman, took the best film accolade.

He did not attend the event but told the audience how grateful he was for the recognition via a video message from Los Angeles.

Empire also dedicated a special award to his co-star, the late Heath Ledger.

The ceremony's host, Irish comedian Dara O'Briain paid tribute to a "fine actor" and said his performance as the Joker was a "brilliant" highlight of the past year.

The prize for best actress went to Helena Bonham Carter.

Viggo Mortensen, who played Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings, was declared the Empire Icon.

Other awards included Christopher Nolan for best director, Quantum of Solace for best thriller, Gemma Arterton as best newcomer and Russell Crowe was named actor of our lifetime to mark Empire's 20th birthday.

(BMcC/JM)