Atonement has won the three main categories at the Empire Awards.

The wartime story walked away with the best British film award, as well as James McAvoy and Keira Knightley winning best actor and actress for the movie.

Matt Damon's Bourne Ultimatum was voted best film of last year, and Control, the rock biopic charting the life of Joy Division's lead singer Ian Curtis, won best soundtrack and best newcomer for Sam Riley who played Curtis in the film.

Ewan McGregor received the Empire Icon Award at last night's ceremony in London and thanked the magazine and its readers for their support throughout his career.

"I've been so lucky to work with a great many talented and passionate actors and directors and occasionally producers so I'd like to thank you all," McGregor said in an acceptance speech.

"I'd like to thank everyone at Empire who have been so kind to me over the years and I'd like to thank your readers."

Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and director Edgar Wright won best comedy at the magazine's annual awards, for Hot Fuzz.

Meanwhile, Mathew Vaughan's Stardust was declared best Sci-Fi film and 28 Weeks Later won best horror.

Other winners at last night's awards included, David Yates, picking up best director for Harry Potter and the Order Of The Phoenix.

The Empire Inspiration Award went the director Guillermo de Toro and the Outstanding Contribution to British Film award went to This is England director, Shane Meadows.


10/03/2008 11:46:41