Steve McQueen's 12 Years A Slave triumphs at London Critics' Circle Film Awards as it takes home three awards including film of the year
By FAY STRANG
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Steve McQueen's 12 Years A Slave continued its triumphant march towards next month's Oscars at the London Critics' Circle Film Awards on Sunday evening.
The film, which is based on true story, won film of the year, while star Chiwetel Eijiofor was named actor of the year, and his co-star Lupita Nyong'o won best supporting actress.
Stars including Naomie Harris, John Hurt, Gary Oldman and Steve Coogan gathered at The May Fair hotel in London for the ceremony, which began on a sombre note as news of Philip Seymour Hoffman's death had just broken.
Scroll down for full list of winners
Good night: Director Steve McQueen's film 12 Years A Slave took home film of the year at the Critic' Circle Film Awards on Sunday evening
On the road to Oscar glory: Chiwetel Ejiofor, who was not present, took home actor of the year
Film critic Jason Solomons opened the awards by paying tribute to the late actor and director who was last year named best supporting actor by the circle for his performance in The Master.
Speaking at the awards director McQueen said the review that meant the most to him was from his mother.
Asked whose praise was most important to him he said: ‘My mum, my mum above all!
Straighten up: The star gave his outfit a little adjustment as he made his way into the venue
Say cheese: Steve had his photo taken while signing autographs for excitable fans
Mobbed! McQueen had a lot of photos to sign on the night
In the spotlight: The director stopped to have his picture taken by waiting photographers
‘There's critics, there's scholars, but then there's you mum, so I'm very pleased about that.’
Alfonso Cuaron was named director of the year for his 3D space epic Gravity.
Cate Blanchett was named actress of the year for her performance in Blue Jasmine and Dame Judi Dench won British actress of the year.
Groomed: The director looked incredibly dapper for the occasion
Revelling: Steve McQueen is enjoying his moment in the spotlight after 12 Years A Slave has been critically-acclaimed
Dame Judi sent a video message from the set of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 2.
She said: ‘I'm very sorry I can't be with you tonight, but as you can see I'm out in India having a lovely time.
‘I'm thrilled. Making Philomena was a wonderful experience, not least getting to meet Philomena herself.’
Bow-tiful: Actor Gary Oldman looked ready for action as he made his way into the venue
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Big moment: Gary Oldman was presented with the Dilys Powell award for excellence in film by John Hurt
Delighted: The actor posed with his award as he admitted he had been in a few 'stinkers'
What an honour: John was more than happy to present the Dilys Powell award
Chuffed: John presented the award to a very happy looking Gary
Gary Oldman was presented with the Dilys Powell award for excellence in film by John Hurt.
Oldman admitted it was nice to get an award from the critics. He joked: ‘You don't have to look over your shoulder tonight.’
The Dark Knight Rises star said he did not take reviews to heart but he felt the internet allowed people to anonymously attack actors, with no basis.
Saying his piece: The actor opened up about what it meant to him the receive the prestigious award
On there feet: The crowd was full of cheer for the prize winners
Making them giggle: Andy Serkis had the crowd in stitches as he picked up actress of the year on behalf of Cate Blanchett
Not a winner himself: Steve Coogan accepted the British Actress of the Year, sponsored by Cameo, on behalf of Dame Judi Dench for Philomena
Good pals: Andy Serkis and John Hurt caught up for a chat at the bar
And smile: Lorraine Ashbourne and Andy Serkis took a moment to pose for photographers inside the venue
Oldman said: ‘I read them less than I did, but once they're out there you're aware of them because you've got agents and managers and friends and family.
People are looking at them, you know they're there and they exist, and if your movie isn't doing so well... I've been in a few stinkers.
‘There were a few 20 years ago that were a little... When they get personal, I think that's a boundary, when they step over that line. You get a lot of bloggers...
So chic: Actor John Hurt looked smart in his heart-print scarf as he made his way into the venue
Quick step: Philomena star Steve Coogan looked like he was in a bit of a rush
Putting the effort in: Reece Shearsmith opted for a bow-toe for the smart occasion
‘They're presenting me with the Dilys Powell award, who was a knowledgeable film scholar.
She wasn't just someone who sat down at a computer and thought, 'Now I'm a reviewer'.
‘We're in an age where I think people can hide behind the computer.'
No win: Naomie Harris lost out on supporting actress to Nyong'o who won for 12 Years A Slave
Suits you: Paul and Joanna Greengrass co-ordinated in matching black outfits
Making memories: John Kermode attended the awards with other family members
Naomie Harris, who was nominated in the supporting actress category but lost out to Nyong'o, said
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Hit: McQueen is enjoying his success right now after his movie has been incredibly well-received
the greatest review she received for her performance as Winnie Mandela in The Long Walk To Freedom was from Winnie herself.
The Bond girl said: ‘It's a huge honour to have people like the movie and like my performance, that's really fantastic.
‘But the main thing that really mattered most to me was hearing Winnie say that she felt that I'd captured her and I'd honoured her legacy. That was huge to me and I'll never forget that.’
LONDON CRITICS' CIRCLE FILM AWARDS - FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Film of the Year - 12 Years A Slave
Foreign-language Film of the Year - Blue Is The Warmest Colour
Documentary of the Year - The Act of Killing
British Film of the Year - The Selfish Giant
Director of the Year - Alfonso Cuaron, Gravity
Screenwriter of the Year - Ethan Coen & Joel Coen, Inside Llewyn Davis
Actor of the Year - Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years A Slave
Actress of the Year - Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
Supporting Actor of the Year - Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips
Supporting Actress of the Year - Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years A Slave
British Actor of the Year - James McAvoy, Filth/Trance/Welcome To The Punch
British Actress of the Year - Judi Dench, Philomena
Young British Performer of the Year - Conner Chapman, The Selfish Giant
Breakthrough British Filmmaker - Jon S Baird, Filth
Technical Achievement Award - Tim Webber, Gravity special effects
Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film - Gary Oldman
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2550620/Steve-McQueens-12-Years-A-Slave-triumphs-London-Critics-Circle-Film-Awards-takes-home-three-awards-including-film-year.html#ixzz2sGIxSf80
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