Tim Burton with stars Helena Bonham Carter and Ewan McGregor

He was joined by Big Fish co-stars Ewan McGregor and Helena Bonham Carter at the Leicester Square event.

Big Fish is contesting best film, director and special effects Baftas among its seven nominations.

Burton's partner Bonham Carter declined to talk to reporters after the death of her father Raymond, 74, on Sunday.

Fantasy

Guests walked up a grass carpet, instead of the traditional red carpet, to the Warner Village Cinema venue on Monday.

It reflected the fantasy nature of the film, in which McGregor and Albert Finney play storyteller Edward Bloom at different stages in his life.

Burton said he was delighted about the film's Bafta nominations. "It was a very nice surprise, it's wonderful to be surprised," he said.

McGregor told reporters: "I'm very happy to be part of such a successful team. This was a real team film with an amazing cast list.

"Tim Burton is a beautiful film-maker and I'll be happy to work on all his movies. I was very moved by this script."