British director Steve McQueen’s 12 Years A Slave has been named best film at this year’s Bafta awards.
The film was nominated in 10 categories, but was beaten in many by Gravity which claimed six prizes, including best director for Alfonso Cuaron.
But the leading actor award went to 12 Years star Chiwetel Ejiofor, who received a standing ovation as he took to the stage to receive his trophy from Uma Thurman at the Royal Opera House in London.
Cate Blanchett claimed the leading actress trophy after her acclaimed performance in Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine.
Gravity won the first award of the night, with Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron taking home the outstanding British film trophy.
The space adventure, which stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, has caused some controversy by being listed as a British film, but it was filmed in this country and the team responsible for its visual effects are UK-based.
Among the films it beat were Rush and Philomena. Gravity also collected the awards for best sound, cinematography, visual effects and original music.
A host of Hollywood stars, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, were in the capital for the ceremony, which was hosted by Stephen Fry.