KEVIN SPACEY - SPACEY HAILS SHORT FILM AWARD WINNERS

Two-time Academy award winner Kevin Spacey has hailed some of Britain's best short film talent at the Virgin Media shorts awards.

The Hollywood actor turned Old Vic artistic director was among the judging panel that awarded the grand prize to the directors of The Black Hole.

Phil Sansom and Olly Williams received £30,000 towards their next film after wowing judges, including Richard Branson and Bend it Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha.

In the film, actor Napoleon Ryan plays bored office worker 'Charlie', who becomes consumed by greed after accidentally photocopying a black hole, ending with a compelling twist to the tale.

"I was very impressed with the quality of the 12 short-listed films for Virgin Media shorts," Spacey commented.

"If these filmmakers can show the same skill when they move on to larger and more ambitious projects, we should be in for a real treat."

Bride and Prejudice director Chadha added of The Black Hole: "Perfect storytelling within the limited time frame and with a great twist as well."

The 12 shortlisted short films will be shown at a selection of UK cinemas until next summer and will be available to watch on Virgin Media TV.