Awards News: 2010 Jameson Empire Awards

The 2010 Jameson Empire Awards were held on Sunday, March 28 in London's Grosvenor House Hotel. They are voted for entirely by the British filmgoing public. Empire is Britain's best-selling film magazine, and their awards were previously sponsored by Sony Ericsson, but are now sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey.

The big winner on the night was Avatar, winning Best film, Best director (James Cameron) and Best actress (Zoe Saldana). The award for Best British film went to Harry Brown, starring Michael Caine. Harry Brown had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2009, but receives its general North American release in the coming months.

Jude Law won the Empire Hero award, whereas lifetime achievement prizes went to Ray Winstone (Outstanding Contribution To British Film) and Sir Ian McKellen (Empire Icon). McKellen said, "It means people have enjoyed the films I've made, or some of them - I suspect particularly Lord Of The Rings and the X-Men movies, in which I play iconic characters."

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Complete list of 2010 Jameson Empire Award winners:

Best newcomer
Aaron Johnson

Best sci-fi/fantasy
Star Trek

Best comedy
In The Loop

Empire Hero
Jude Law

Done in 60 Seconds
'Top Gun' by Mark Wong

Best horror
Let The Right One In

Best thriller
Sherlock Holmes

Best actor
Christoph Waltz

Best actress
Zoe Saldana

Best British film
Harry Brown

Best film
Avatar

Best director
James Cameron

Outstanding contribution to British film
Ray Winstone

Empire Icon
Ian McKellen