The Aviator Wins Big At Baftas

Martin Scorsese's blockbuster movie The Aviator triumphed at last night's (12FEB05) BAFTA awards in London, winning four accolades including Best Film.

The Hollywood tale of maverick entrepreneur Howard Hughes also won prizes at the BRITISH ACADEMY FILM AWARDS in the Production Design and Make Up And Hair categories, with CATE BLANCHETT scooping the Best Supporting Actress gong.

The Australian beauty said, "Winning a Bafta means an enormous amount to me."

Low budget UK film Vera Drake closely followed up with three awards - star Imelda Staunton was crowned Best Actress for her performance as an illegal abortionist in 1950s Britain, and movie-maker Mike Leigh received the Best Director honour.

On accepting her award, Staunton - who's competing in the same category at this month's (27FEB05) ACADEMY AWARDS - commented, "Thank you very much. I'm so thrilled and so grateful and I'm delighted that the success of Vera Drake has boosted sales of hair nets and pinnies, which is very good."

Jamie Foxx was named Best Actor for his critically acclaimed turn as the late Ray_charles">Ray Charles in RAY, while Britain's Clive Owen took Best Supporting Actor for CLOSER - both stars won the equivalent accolades at last month's (JAN05) GOLDEN GLOBES in Los Angeles.

Responding to his win, OSCAR-nominated Owen said, "The whole award season is new to me because I haven't won anything before. All of that is a bit overwhelming."

Best Original Screenplay went to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, while Sideways bagged the Best Adapted Screenplay award. DIARIOS DE MOTOCICLETA (The Motorcycle Diaries) was crowned Best Foreign Film.

The full list of winners is:

Best Film

THE AVIATOR

Best British Film

My Summer Of Love

Best Actor In A Leading Role

JAMIE FOXX