Luminaries of both the big and small screen gathered last night at London’s Grosvnenor House Hotel, eager with anticipation to hear which films, actors, actresses and directors were to be recognised by Empire magazine’s readers.
With everyone from Gemma Arterton, Tim Burton and James McAvoy in attendance – the ceremony saw Russell Crowe presented with the ‘Actor of a Lifetime’ award, Bond film ‘Quantum of Solace’ scoop Best Thriller and Batman franchise The Dark Knight take home Best Director for Christopher Nolan, Best Actor for Christian Bale and Heath Ledger receive a special commemoration for his life works.
The biggest prize of the night, the Outstanding Contribution to British Film award went to t5m favourite Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire, starring Dev Patel and Freida Pinto. Whilst the genre-defying film didn’t pick up Best British Film, which instead went to Guy Ritchie’s latest gangster effort RocknRolla, Danny collected his award from Andy Bishop, Paul Scott and Alan Knill – players from his favourite football team, Bury.
On receiving his award, Danny said ’”thank you very much – to get this from Bury is amazing. In inimitable Bury fashion, we trashed Bournemouth 1-0.”
The award also marked the beginning of the next chapter of Danny’s career, as he told reporters that he would now start work on his next project – leaving his Slumdog duties behind.
Mark Dinning, Empire’s Editor, said ” Now in their 14th year, our Awards continue to go from strength to strength. With tens of thousands of readers having voted, these awards unlike those of other awards shows, truly reflect the power and diversity of cinema. And we are delighted that so many of the industry’s acting and filmmaking talent have supported us this evening”
Jameson Empire Awards 2009 – Winners:
Best Newcomer – Gemma Arterton
Best Comedy – Son of Rambow
Best Horror – Eden Lake
Best Thriller – Quantum of Solace
Best Director – Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight)
Best Sci-Fi/ Superhero Movie – Wanted
Best Soundtrack – Mamma Mia!
Special Heath Ledger Commemoration
Best British Film – RocknRolla
Actor of our Lifetime – Russell Crowe
Best Film – The Dark Knight
Done in 60 Seconds – Stephan Power and Conal O’Meara (Jerry Maguire)
Best Actor – Christian Bale (The Dark Knight)
Best Actress – Helena Bonham Carter (Sweeney Todd)
Outstanding Contribution to British Film – Danny Boyle
Empire Icon – Viggo Mortensen
