(Cover) - EN Showbiz - The Kings Speech was the big winner at the BAFTAs last night.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) hosted their annual awards ceremony to honour achievement in cinema at the Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden yesterday. Period drama The Kings Speech was named best film, while the star of the movie, Colin Firth, picked up best actor. In total, the picture which focuses on the relationship between Britains King George VI and his speech therapist collected an impressive seven awards.
After winning the accolade, Colin who won the best actor BAFTA last year for A Single Man - recalled the first time he had met with director Tom Hooper, joking about his invasive style of working.
"I had to postpone a routine but somewhat uncomfortable medical examination, Colin said. "I am happy to report that the meeting was rather less uncomfortable than the exam, but as time went on it became clear that Tom's working methods were just as thorough and invasive as my doctor's.
"But when you see the results you're grateful, so I am thankful as I am to my doctor."
The Kings Speech went on to win best original screenplay and best British film. The movie also saw Helena Bonham Carter pick up best supporting actress, while Geoffrey Rush took home best supporting actor for his role as the kings therapist.
Helena who plays the kings wife - admitted it was a shock to win the prize and hoped her family were proud of her.
"I'm so used to losing that it's kind of a strange feeling to win," she explained. "It's very nice, but children, if you're watching, it's not about the winning. It still feels nice."
Natalie Portman was named best actress for her role as tortured ballerina Nina Sayers in dark drama Black Swan. The star is heavily pregnant, so was unable to collect her award.
The movies director Darren Aronofsky accepted the gong on her behalf and thanked her for her commitment to the role.
"She trained for a year before we made this movie," Darren said. "When we shot every day she was in every single scene and every single shot. So with a lot of pride I thank you for this for her. Thank you Natalie."
David Fincher was named best director for The Social Network, which starred Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield.
Christopher Lee was given a standing ovation as he was presented with the Fellowship award by the academy.
The 88-year-old acting legend who is known for his roles in Dracula, The Lord of the Rings franchise and The Wicker Man was overwhelmed as he received the prize from Tim Burton.
"This is a truly great honour, a great, great honour," Christopher said. "Two things really make it so. The fact that this was voted to me by my peers and secondly that I received it from one of the great directors of our age."
BAFTA Awards 2011 winners:
Academy Fellowship: Sir Christopher Lee
Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema: The Harry Potter films
Best Film: The Kings Speech, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin
Outstanding British Film: The Kings Speech
Outstanding debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer: Chris Morris, Four Lions
Best Director: David Fincher, The Social Network
Original Screenplay: The King's Speech, David Seidler
Adapted Screenplay: The Social Network, Aaron Sorkin
Film Not in the English Language: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Sren Strmose and Niels Arden Oplev
Animated Film: Toy Story 3, Lee Unkrich
Leading Actor: Colin Firth, The King's Speech
Leading Actress: Natalie Portman, Black Swan
Supporting Actor: Geoffrey Rush, The King's Speech
Supporting Actress: Helena Bonham Carter, The King's Speech
Original Music: Alexandre Desplat, The King's Speech
Cinematography: True Grit, Roger Deakins
Editing: The Social Network, Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter
Production Design: Inception, Guy Hendrix Dyas, Larry Dias and Doug Mowat
Costume Design: Alice in Wonderland, Colleen Atwood
Sound: Inception, Richard King, Lora Hirschberg, Gary A Rizzo and Ed Novick
Special Visual Effects: Inception, Chris Corbould, Paul Franklin, Andrew Lockley, Peter Bebb
Make up and Hair: Alice in Wonderland, Valli O'Reilly, Paul Gooch
Short Animation: The Eagleman Stag, Michael Please
Short Film: Until the River Runs Red, Paul Wright, Poss Kondeatis
Orange Wednesday's Rising Star Award: Tom Hardy, Inception (C) Cover Media