Hollywood actors joined small screen personalities at the Jameson Empire Awards which were held in London last night.
Winners, chosen by readers of the film magazine, included Christian Bale, James McAvoy and Danny Boyle, while Billy Bragg, Michael Sheen and Sean Bean were among the famous faces who attended.
'Slumdog Millionaire' and 'Trainspotting' director Boyle won the outstanding contribution to British film award.
In tribute to an earlier comment to the magazine that he would rather Bury FC won the FA Cup than get an Oscar, two Bury players and the manager presented Boyle with his prize.
Boyle said: "Thank you very much - to get this from Bury is amazing. In inimitable Bury fashion, we trashed Bournemouth 1-nil."
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.
The Australian star of films such as 'Gladiator' delivered a poetic acceptance speech from the podium at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane.
