'Rings' rules over Empire film awards

5.00pm

LONDON - Epic fantasy film "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" has added more silver to its burgeoning trophy cabinet at Britain's annual Empire magazine awards, picking up the coveted best film gong.

"Rings," an Oscar favourite after scoring big at the Golden Globes in Los Angeles, also won the best British actor accolade for Andy Serkis for his role as the animated creature Gollum.

"I'd like to say thank you to all the Empire readers who were clearly intelligent and could see that there was an actor involved in the part," Serkis told the ceremony.

The film's "Ride of the Rohirrim" sequence was named movie scene of the year.

The awards, voted for by readers of Empire film magazine, were handed out at London's Dorchester hotel Wednesday.

Romantic comedy "Love Actually" was the night's other big winner, picking up three awards, including best British film and best British actress for Emma Thompson.

A surprised Thompson said: "I was once at an Empire Awards back in 1897. It was a long time ago and it wasn't nearly so grand... you've made an old woman very happy."

The award is the second in a week for Thompson, following her success at the Evening Standard Awards Sunday.

Former soap star and singer Martine McCutcheon was named best newcomer for her role as the prime minister's (actor Hugh Grant's) tea lady and love interest in "Love Actually" -- a part written especially for her by director Richard Curtis.

"Pirates of the Caribbean" star and Oscar nominee Johnny Depp was named best actor, while "Kill Bill" actress Uma Thurman picked up the best actress gong.

Quentin Tarantino won best director for "Kill Bill" and "Aliens" star Sigourney Weaver was on hand to pick up the Empire Career Achievement Award.

- REUTERS


Herald Feature: Lord of the Rings