Date: 11th February 2013
Hostage drama Argo (2012) has continued its journey from awards-season outsider to favourite, winning three prizes, including best picture, at the Baftas.
Ben Affleck was named best director for the film about a risky plot to rescue of a group of US diplomats from Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The movie also took the editing trophy.
It is now considered a front-runner for the best picture award at the Oscars on February 24, even though Affleck was not nominated for best director.
The star, who rose to fame as an actor, said: "I want to say this is a second act for me and you've given me that. This industry has given me that and I want to thank you and I'm so grateful and proud."
George Clooney, who co-produced the film, paid tribute to the director, saying: "You're smart and you know what you want but more important, you love what you're doing."
And few were surprised when Daniel Day-Lewis picked up the best actor award for his title role in Lincoln (2012).
Day-Lewis' award was the only prize out of 10 nominations for Steven Spielberg's historical biopic.
The British/Irish actor accepted the award and poked fun at his own reputation for immersing himself in his characters and his devotion to method acting.
"On the chance I might one day have to speak on an evening such as this I've stayed in character as myself for the last 55 years," he said.
Day-Lewis, who has already won a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild award for his performance, is also tipped to win an Oscar later this month.
Skyfall (2012) won outstanding British film, and its director Sam Mendes paid tribute to the "bravery and brilliance" of Daniel Craig and "the great" Ian Fleming, who created James Bond.
BAFTAS - MAIN WINNERS
Best film - Argo
Director - Ben Affleck
Best actor - Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln
Best actress - Emmanuelle Riva, Amour
Best supporting actor - Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained
Best supporting actress - Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables
Source: Press Release
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