This year's Jameson Empire Awards took place tonight in London, at a rather glamorous evening of drinking, carousing and celebration for the stars. The readers of Empire voted in their droves, and the big winner of the night was The Dark Knight, which took home Best Film, Best Director for Christopher Nolan and Best Actor for Christian Bale.
But it wasn't just a Batman evening. Quantum of Solace won Best Thriller, and Bond girl Gemma Arterton took home Best Newcomer for her turn in that film as well as RocknRolla. Homegrown talent also did well in other areas, with the excellent Son of Rambow taking Best Comedy and Eden Lake going home with Best Horror.
James McAvoy was on hand to collect Best Sci-Fi / Superhero movie for Wanted, while Best British Film went to Guy Ritchie and the RocknRolla crew. Helena Bonham-Carter took Best Actress for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, with partner Tim Burton picking up on her behalf, and Best Soundtrack went to Mamma Mia! and the guys from ABBA.
The special awards saw an Outstanding Contribution to British Cinema prize awarded to Danny Boyle (whose Slumdog Millionaire didn't come out in the nominations period, for those of you wondering where it is). There was also a tribute to the late Heath Ledger, whose work played such a big part in the stunning succes of The Dark Knight.
The Actor Of Our Lifetime award, a special prize to celebrate Empire's 20th anniversary this year, went to Russell Crowe, while the Empire Icon award this year went to the disgustingly multitalented Viggo Mortensen, who speaks more languages than God, paints, writes poetry and still finds time to do a bit of acting. His speech was also highly entertaining, so check that out in the minute-by-minute blog of the Awards.
Check back throughout tonight and tomorrow morning for more updates, photos, videos and all the news that's fit to print from this year's Jameson Empire Awards.