Preeya Kalidas at Jameson Empire Awards

It was an outstanding evening on Sunday 27th March as the film industry’s biggest and most respected stars turned out to celebrate the Jameson Empire Awards 2011. The awards, which were again hosted by comedian Dara O Briain and took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel, were honoured with the presence of such leading names from the world of cinema as Anna Kendrick, Talulah Riley, Lasse Hallström, Jonathan Ross, The Inbetweeners, Sarah Harding, Jessica Hynes, Noel Clarke, Kate Magowan, Neil Marshall and Joanne Froggatt, amongst others.

This year, the Awards were evenly distributed across the nominated films, with Inception, last summer’s movie phenomenon, carrying off the top prize for Best Film (presented by Kirin Ichiban). The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, the first film from the Stieg Larsson trilogy, won two Awards for Best Thriller and Best Actress (presented by Citroën) for Noomi Rapace, whilst Matthew Vaughn’s Kick-Ass also walked away with two Awards for Best British Film (presented by The Industry Trust) and Best Newcomer (presented by aqua) for Chloe Moretz for her controversial role as Hit-Girl. Accepting the trophies for Kick-Ass were screenwriter Jane Goldman with cast members Mark Strong, Dexter Fletcher and Jason Flemyng.

For his multiple award-winning performance as King George VI in The King’s Speech, Colin Firth was honoured with this year’s Jameson Best Actor Award, presented to him by Olivia Williams. The award for Best Director (presented by Sony) went to Edgar Wright, for his immensely popular Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.

Sponsors Jameson Irish Whiskey and Empire magazine were delighted to acknowledge and honour one of Britain’s most exceptional actors for his phenomenal body of work. From films such as Sid and Nancy, Prick Up Your Ears and Leon to his recent work in the blockbuster Harry Potter and Batman film franchises, Gary Oldman was bestowed the Empire Icon, which was presented to him by his Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy co-star Colin Firth.

In addition, special honours were bestowed on two of Britain’s most in-demand and highly respected young talents. For her overall contribution to cinema through a wide array of memorable roles, Keira Knightley took home the Empire Hero Award (presented by Jameson Irish Whiskey), which was presented to her by her friend and Atonement co-star, James McAvoy. Award-winning writer-director Edgar Wright was awarded this year’s Empire Inspiration (presented by HMV).

Meanwhile, horror fans will be pleased that The Last Exorcism beat off competition to win Best Horror, with the film’s producer, Eli Roth, at the ceremony to collect the award, whilst the ethereal Lily Cole presented Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy to actor Tom Felton for the box office record-breaking penultimate film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.

Dark British humour was the champion in comedy this year with the BAFTA Award-winning Four Lions voted as Best Comedy. Presented by Dermot O’Leary, the cast and producers accepted the award on behalf of filmmaker Christopher Morris.

This year, Empire readers have flooded the popular amateur filmmaking award Done In 60 Seconds with their entries and the finalists include fantastic one-minute reprisals of films such as Avatar. However, there can only be one winner, and Jameson and Empire were delighted to give Maeve Stram the Award for her wonderful adaptation of 127 Hours, which was presented to her by two of the judges, Chris O’Dowd & Neil Marshall.

Mark Dinning, Empire’s Editor, said: “For movies, the past year has without a doubt been the most interesting in what feels like forever. Where previous years have seen sequels and spin-offs dominate, the past 12 months have seen originality and style reign supreme. And I’m very proud that Empire’s 1.5 million readers have recognised and applauded that with their votes this year quite rightly rewarding the likes of Inception, Kick-Ass and The King’s Speech – sensational movies that have set new boundaries for filmmakers the world over. I am also delighted that this year we have been able to award the incredible Keira Knightley, Edgar Wright and Gary Oldman with special awards. All are British, all are brilliant.”