Atonement cast members James McAvoy (L) and Keira Knightley (C) with director Joe Wright. Photo / Reuters
Atonement cast members James McAvoy (L) and Keira Knightley (C) with director Joe Wright. Photo / Reuters
KEY POINTS:
Wartime romance Atonement has won three prizes at Empire magazine's annual awards ceremony, including best British film.
Its stars James McAvoy and Keira Knightley were named best actor and actress after missing out at the BAFTAs and Oscars.
Keira, who was voted for by readers of the Britishfilm magazine, beat off stiff competition from Angelina Jolie, Emma Watson, Katherine Heigl and Cate Blanchett.
Atonement was the big winner on the night, with James McAvoy named Best Actor and the movie scooping Best British Film.
The Bourne Ultimatum was named Best Film, and star Matt Damon collected the accolade with director Paul Greengrass.
Matt said: "I want to say thank you to the readers of Empire because I don't get many awards and I don't get nominated for a lot of awards but when I do I tend to lose out to more younger, talented, better-looking guys like James McAvoy."
Scottish star Ewan McGregor was honoured with the Empire Icon award for his roles in films including Trainspotting, Star Wars and Moulin Rouge.
He told the audience: "I've been so lucky to work with a great many talented and passionate actors and directors and occasionally producers and so I'd like to thank you all. I'd like to thank everyone at Empire who have been so kind to me over the years and I'd like to thank your readers."
David Yates was named Best Director for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, while Sam Riley was named Best Newcomer for his portrayal of late Joy Division singer Ian Curtis in Control.
Sony Ericsson Empire Awards 2008 full list of winners:
Best Actress - Keira Knightley, 'Atonement'
Best Actor - James McAvoy, 'Atonment'
Best British Film - 'Atonement'
Best Film - 'The Bourne Ultimatum'
Best Newcomer - Sam Riley, 'Control'
Best Director - David Yates, 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'
Empire Icon Award - Ewan McGregor
Empire Inspiration Award - Guillermo del Toro
Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy - 'Stardust'
Best Horror - '28 Weeks Later'
Best Thriller - 'American Gangster'
Sony Ericsson Soundtrack Award - 'Control'
Outstanding Contribution to British Film - Shane Meadows
