"12 Years a Slave," a 19th century American slavery drama, and "Gravity," featuring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, swept away the 2014 BAFTA Awards at London's Royal Opera on Sunday.
The first, directed by Steve McQueen, won best film, while "Gravity," directed by Alfonso Cuaron, won a grand total of six awards, including best director, best score, best cinematography, best visual effects, best sound and best British film.
British-born actor Chiwetel Ejiofor was also awarded best actor for his role in "12 Years a Slave."
When accepting his award for best film, Queen said: "There are 21 million people in slavery now as we sit here. I just hope that 150 years from now our ambivalence will not allow another film-maker to make this film."
On the other hand, while many expected "12 Years of Slave" to win the awards for the best adapted screenplay and the best supporting actress, the first went to Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope for "Philomena," and the second to Jennifer Lawrence for her performance in "American Hustle."
Cate Blanchett won best actress for her role in "Blue Jasmine" while Barkhad Abdi took home best supporting actor for his performance in "Captain Phillips."
"The Great Gatsby" won two awards - best production design and best costumes, while "Frozen," "The Act of Killing" and "The Great Beauty" won an award for best animated feature, best documentary feature and best foreign film, respectively.
Prince William presented Dame Helen Mirren, who has played the role of the British Queen on stage as well as on the big screen, with a fellowship, the highest BAFTA Award
The complete list of winners at the 2014 BAFTA Awards is as follows:
Best Film: 12 Years a Slave
Best Director: Alfonso Cuaron, Gravity
Best Actor: Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave
Best Actress: Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
Best Supporting Actor: Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips
Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
Best British Film: Gravity
Best Debut By a British Writer, Director or Producer: Kieran Evans
Best Original Screenplay: American Hustle
Best Adapted Screenplay: Philomena
Best Film Not In The English Language: The Great Beauty
Best Documentary: The Act of Killing
Best Original Film Score: Gravity
Best Cinematography: Gravity
Best Editing: Rush
Best Sound: Gravity
Best Animated Film: Frozen
Best Visual Effects: Gravity
Best Makeup and Hair: American Hustle
Best Production Design: The Great Gatsby
Best Costumes: The Great Gatsby
Best Short Film: Room 8
Best Animated Short: Sleeping With the Fishes
BAFTA Rising Star Award: Will Poulter
