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WINNER: Keira Knightley picked up the Best Actress award for he rperformance in Atonement at the Empire film awards.
Keira Knightley was victorious at the Empire film awards Sunday, picking up the Best Actress gong for her performance in World War II drama Atonement at the glitzy ceremony held at London's Grosvenor House hotel.
The 22-year-old star was voted for by readers of the British film magazine, beat off stiff competition from Angelina Jolie, Emma Watson, Katherine Heigl and Cate Blanchett.
Atonement was the big winner on the night, with James McAvoy named Best Actor and the movie scooping Best British Film.
The Bourne Ultimatum was named Best Film, and star Matt Damon collected the accolade with director Paul Greengrass.
Matt said: "I want to say thank you to the readers of Empire because I don't get many awards and I don't get nominated for a lot of awards but when I do I tend to lose out to more younger, talented, better-looking guys like James McAvoy."
Scottish star Ewan McGregor was honoured with the Empire Icon award for his roles in films including Trainspotting, Star Wars and Moulin Rouge.
He told the audience: "I've been so lucky to work with a great many talented and passionate actors and directors and occasionally producers and so I'd like to thank you all. I'd like to thank everyone at Empire who have been so kind to me over the years and I'd like to thank your readers."
David Yates was named Best Director for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, while Sam Riley was named Best Newcomer for his portrayal of late Joy Division singer Ian Curtis in Control.
Sony Ericsson Empire Awards 2008 full list of winners:
Best Actress - Keira Knightley, Atonement
Best Actor - James McAvoy, Atonment
Best British Film - Atonement
Best Film - The Bourne Ultimatum
Best Newcomer - Sam Riley, Control
Best Director - David Yates, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Empire Icon Award - Ewan McGregor
Empire Inspiration Award - Guillermo del Toro
Best Comedy - Hot Fuzz
Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy - Stardust
Best Horror - 28 Weeks Later
Best Thriller - American Gangster
Sony Ericsson Soundtrack Award - Control
Outstanding Contribution to British Film - Shane Meadows
Done in 60 Seconds (short film) - Titanic
