PAUL GREENGRASS - UNITED 93 HAILED AS FILM OF THE YEAR BY BRITISH CRITICS

UNITED 93 HAILED AS FILM OF THE YEAR BY BRITISH CRITICS

PAUL GREENGRASS' harrowing 9/11 drama UNITED 93 was named film of the year by British critics last night (08FEB07). The film picked up the top prize at the annual London Film Critics' Circle Awards, beating rivals THE QUEEN, VOLVER and LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE. Judge MARIANNE GRAY praised the film, saying "It's an incredibly good film. It's perfectly directed by Paul Greengrass and it's a ripping story." But the main winner overall was awards favourite The Queen - which won Best Director for STEPHEN FREARS, Best Screenplay for PETER MORGAN and Best British Actress for DAME HELEN MIRREN. However, Mirren, who is the hot favourite to win Best Actress at this month's Oscars (25FEB07), lost out on the actress of the year prize - which went to MERYL STREEP for THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA. Forest Whitaker continued his fine run of form this awards season - he won Best Actor, taking the number of awards for his portrayal of Ugandan dictator IDI AMIN in THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND to 22. Other winners included TOBY JONES for Best British Actor for INFAMOUS, The Devil Wears Prada's EMILY BLUNT for Best British Supporting Actress and SIR MICHAEL CAINE for Best British Supporting Actor for his performance in THE PRESTIGE.