James Bond director scoops three gongs at Empire Awards

Sam Mendes won Best Film and Best Director for Skyfall and the Empire Inspiration award in London. Credit: Ian West/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Skyfall director Sam Mendes finally had his moment of glory tonight scooping three gongs at the Jameson Empire Awards 2013.

The latest James Bond film, though a box office hit, was overlooked at the Oscars and the Baftas in the best film and best director categories.

But tonight at the star-studded ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel, Mendes took home the best director and best film awards for his 007 effort Skyfall, along with the Empire Inspiration award.

Dame Helen Mirren was queen of the night, receiving the Empire Legend award.

The 67-year-old actress was hailed for her screen career spanning five decades, including notable performances in The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, And Her Lover, Gosford Park, The Queen and this year's Hitchcock.

Danny Boyle - who along with Mendes has already ruled himself out of directing the next Bond film - was also celebrated for his film career, presented with the Empire Outstanding Contribution award.

The British director has enjoyed a varied career of critically acclaimed films, including his dark debut Shallow Grave, the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire, cult hit Trainspotting and his latest effort, thriller Trance.

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe was named this year's Empire Hero, while his film The Woman In Black won the award for Best Horror.

Danny Boyle won an Outstanding Contribution award. Credit: Ian West/PA Wire/Press Association Images

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey notched up two wins - Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film and the Best Actor award for star Martin Freeman.

Jennifer Lawrence was named Best Actress for her performance in The Hunger Games. The win is the cherry on the cake for the star, who has won a string of accolades this awards season for her role in indie comedy Silver Linings Playbook, including an Oscar and a Golden Globe.

The Jameson Empire Film Awards Special will be transmitted on Saturday March 30 on Sky Movies at 8.30pm.

Daniel Radcliffe picked up the Empire Hero gong. Credit: Ian West/PA Wire/Press Association Images

The Jameson Empire Awards 2013 Winners in full:

  • Best Male Newcomer presented by Entertainment Tonight: Tom Holland for The Impossible

  • Best Female Newcomer: Samantha Barks for Les Miserables

  • Best Comedy presented by Magic 105.4: Ted

  • Best Science-Fiction/Fantasy: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

  • Best Thriller presented by Vue Entertainment: Headhunters

  • Best Horror presented by Cafe de Paris: The Woman In Black

  • The Art Of 3D presented by RealD: Dredd 3D

  • Best British Film presented by Tresor Paris: Sightseers

  • Best Director presented by Monitor Audio: Sam Mendes for Skyfall

  • Jameson Best Actor: Martin Freeman for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

  • Best Actress presented by Citroen: Jennifer Lawrence for The Hunger Games

  • Best Film presented by Sky Movies: Skyfall

  • Empire Inspiration Award presented by Jameson Irish Whiskey: Sam Mendes

  • Empire Legend: Helen Mirren

  • Empire Hero: Daniel Radcliffe

  • Empire Outstanding Contribution: Danny Boyle

Here's some of the winners with their awards:

Samantha Barks with her award. Credit: Ian West/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Martin Freeman who won the Best Actor award. Credit: Ian West/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Jane Goldman won Best Horror Movie award, for Women in Black. Credit: Ian West/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Sir Ian Mckellen with the Best Science Fiction Fantasy award. Credit: Ian West/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Nira Park, Steve Oram and Ben Wheatley who won the Best British Film award. Credit: Ian West/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Tom Holland with his award. Credit: Ian West/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Presenter Jonny Vegas with Ted. Credit: Ian West/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Dame Helen Mirren wins the Empire Legend award. Credit: Ian West/PA Wire/Press Association Images