Sci-fi epic 'Avatar', McKellen dominate Empire awards
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
LONDON, Mar 29 (AFP): Veteran actor Ian McKellen was named a film icon at the Empire awards in London, which also saw the futuristic 3D spectacular "Avatar" pick up three gongs, including one for best film.
The Empire awards, organised by the eponymous film magazine, are unique in Britain because they are voted for entirely by members of the public.
James Cameron's "Avatar" -- which failed to impress at the Oscar's earlier this month -- was the night's big winner, picking up accolades for best film, best director and best actress for Zoe Saldana.
McKellen who plays Gandalf in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy was Sunday awarded the Empire Icon award for his long and varied film career.
"It means people have enjoyed the films I've made, or some of them. I suspect particularly "Lord of the Rings" and the "X-Men" movies, in which I play iconic characters," McKellen said of his win.
The prize for best newcomer went to the London-born actor Aaron Johnson, 19, for his portrayal of a young John Lennon in "Nowhere Boy". Johnson is currently starring in the superhero spoof "Kick-Ass".
The Empire awards, organised by the eponymous film magazine, are unique in Britain because they are voted for entirely by members of the public.
James Cameron's "Avatar" -- which failed to impress at the Oscar's earlier this month -- was the night's big winner, picking up accolades for best film, best director and best actress for Zoe Saldana.
McKellen who plays Gandalf in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy was Sunday awarded the Empire Icon award for his long and varied film career.
"It means people have enjoyed the films I've made, or some of them. I suspect particularly "Lord of the Rings" and the "X-Men" movies, in which I play iconic characters," McKellen said of his win.
The prize for best newcomer went to the London-born actor Aaron Johnson, 19, for his portrayal of a young John Lennon in "Nowhere Boy". Johnson is currently starring in the superhero spoof "Kick-Ass".