The Artist wins tops honours at the BAFTAs

Silent movie The Artist and US actor Meryl Streep continued their march towards Oscar glory after scooping top awards at the BAFTAs, the biggest night of the British film industry. At a celebrity-packed ceremony at the Royal Opera House in London yesterday, The Artist won gongs for best film, best director and best original screenplay for Michel Hazanavicius and best actor for Frenchman Jean Dujardin.

Dujardin -- who is also nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of a silent film star overwhelmed by the arrival of the 'talkies' -- paid tribute to his director, saying: Michel, what have you done to me? It's all your fault.

Brushing shoulders on the red carpet earlier with Hollywood stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt, a clearly excited Dujardin told that he was overwhelmed at being ranked along side such top actors.

"To be here -- it's an honour to be nominated with such great actors, with Gary Oldman, (Michael) Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Clooney, pinch me, please!" he said, moments before beating all those named to the best actor award.

True to predictions, Streep was named best actress, although she lost her shoe on the way to collect her award and had to be rescued by Colin Firth.

The American has already won a clutch awards for her portrayal of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady, and is tipped to take the third Oscar of her career on February 26.

There were no surprises in the best supporting actor and actress categories either, as BAFTA echoed last month's Golden Globes and awarded them to Christopher Plummer for Beginners and Octavia Spencer for The Help.

At the age of 82, Plummer, who like Spencer is also nominated for an Oscar for the role, becomes the oldest recipient of a BAFTA award.

Veteran British actor Gary Oldman missed out in his bid for a BAFTA for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, although the Cold War thriller, featuring the cream of British acting talent, won the award for outstanding British film.

Senna, Asif Kapadia's film about Brazilian Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna who died in a crash in 1994, won best documentary, while Pedro Almodovar's The Skin I Live In was named the best non-English language film.

George Clooney, Meryl Streep win Golden Globes awards

The 69th Golden Globe Awards this year had some starry names like George Clooney, Kate Winslet, Meryl Streep and Madonna landing major honours and `The Descendants` taking home the Best Motion Picture prize.

As Clooney bagged the Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama award for his role in `The Descendants`, beating superstars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, Streep won the Best Performance by an Actress in the same category for her performance as Margaret Thatcher in `The Iron Lady`.

`The Descendants` was nominated alongside `The Help`, `Hugo`, `The Ides Of March`, `Moneyball` and `War Horse`.

Queen of pop Madonna`s track `Masterpiece` from her directorial venture `W.E.` proved to be one as she took home the Best Original Song - Motion Picture trophy for the track.

Oscar winner Kate Winslet grabbed a globe for her performance in the mini series `Mildred Pierce`.

Veteran filmmaker Martin Scorsese clinched the Best Director - Motion Picture for his `Hugo`, while Woody Allen took home the Best Screenplay award for `Midnight In Paris`.

Jean Dujardin was named the Best Actor in a Comedy Or Musical for his performance in `The Artist`, which was named the Best Motion Picture - Comedy Or Musical.

The film was nominated alongwith `50/50`, `Bridesmaids`, `Midnight In Paris` and `My Week With Marilyn`, whose lead star Michelle Williams won in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy Or Musical category.

`The Adventures Of Tintin` was named the Best Animated Feature Film.

Veteran actor Morgan Freeman was honoured with the Cecil B DeMille Award.