DAME Helen Mirren was named best actress and The Queen took best film at this year’s Baftas in what proved to be a great night for the Brits.

Kevin Macdonald’s The Last King of Scotland was also a big winner, emerging with three honours including best British film and best adapted screenplay for Peter Morgan and Jeremy Brock’s script.

Oscar favourite Forest Whitaker won the coveted best actor prize for his brilliant portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the same film.

And to cap a memorable night for British achievement in cinema over the past 12 months, Paul Greengrass was named best director for United 93, his deeply impressive account of the fourth plane to be hijacked on September 11, 2001.

Upon receiving her award, Dame Helen Mirren, who has already won numerous prizes for her performance in The Queen including the Golden Globe, paid tearful tribute to her friend and mentor, Ian Richardson, who sadly passed away on Friday.

“Ian Richardson, I’m not too sure I would be here today if it wasn’t for you,” she said.

The actress was also delighted with the best film triumph and was seen punching the air as director Stephen Frears took to the stage of London’s Royal Opera House to collect the prize.

The film follows Queen Elizabeth II during the days after Princess Diana’s death and had led this year’s Baftas shortlist with 10 nominations.

The second biggest nominations haul had gone to new James Bond film, Casino Royale, which surprised many by picking up nine nods, including one for new 007 Daniel Craig for best actor.

But it departed with only one award – for best sound.

Best actor Forest Whitaker commented: ““This means a lot because to be embraced by another shore is a special thing.”

Sunshine and Pan triumph

Of the other major winners on the night, indie hit comedy Little Miss Sunshine took two awards, for best supporting actor for Alan Arkin and best original screenplay.

While Guillermo del Toro’s stunning Spanish-language dark fairytale Pan’s Labyrinth won three Baftas, including best foreign language film, best costume design and best make-up and hair.

Former American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson won the best supporting actress prize for her performance in Dreamgirls and Happy Feet took the best animated movie prize.

French actress Eva Green, who played 007’s love interest Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale, won the Orange Rising Star Award, which was the only category to be voted for by the British public.

She was equally delighted to have been embraced by British film fans, saying: “It’s a real honour because I’m French and it’s an English award. I have just moved here and have had the most amazing welcome.”

And Red Road director Andrea Arnold took The Carl Foreman Award for special achievement by a British director/producer or writer in their first feature film.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts was celebrating its 60th anniversary on Sunday evening and, in keeping with its growing prominence, attracted some of the cream of Hollywood to the ceremony.

BBC presenter Jonathan Ross hosted the ceremony for the first time, following in the footsteps of actor and writer Stephen Fry, who stepped down after six years.

Check out the full list of winners

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