British director Steve McQueen's 12 Years A Slave has been named best film at this year's Bafta awards.

The film was nominated in 10 categories, but was beaten in many by Gravity (2013) which claimed six prizes, including best director for Alfonso Cuaron.

But the leading actor award went to 12 Years a Slave (2013) star Chiwetel Ejiofor, who received a standing ovation as he took to the stage to receive his trophy from Uma Thurman at the Royal Opera House in London.

He said he was "so deeply honoured and privileged to receive it" and thanked McQueen for his "artistry and passion".

"You really brought us all through it and had the real vision to tell this extraordinary story," he added.

Cate Blanchett claimed the leading actress trophy after her acclaimed performance in Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine (2013).

She dedicated her award to Philip Seymour Hoffman, who died earlier this month: "Phil, buddy, this is for you, you b******. I hope you're proud."

Gravity won the first award of the night, with Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron taking home the outstanding British film trophy.

Captain Phillips star Barkhad Abdi won the best supporting actor prize, while Jennifer Lawrence was named best supporting actress for American Hustle (2013).

The Great Gatsby picked up two awards for production design and costume design.

Room 8 was named best short film; the short animation award was won by Sleeping With the Fishes.

Best animation went to Frozen, which came out ahead of Monsters University and Despicable Me 2.

Source: Press Release