Quentin Tarantino (l) was handed the Empire Awards icon of decade prize by the star of his movie Reservoir Dogs, Michael Madsen. The ceremony was held at London's Guildhall.

Oscar nominee Sophie Okenedo presented Matt Damon with the best actor award for The Bourne Supremacy. The awards are voted for by the readers of Empire magazine.

French star Julie Delpy was in London to collect her best actress award for Before Sunset, the sequel to Before Sunrise.

Freddie Highmore took best newcomer on the night for his role in Finding Neverland. He will next be seen playing Charlie Bucket in the remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Nick Frost celebrated Shaun of the Dead's best British film win with co-star and the film's co-writer Simon Pegg.

Paddy Considine was recognised with the best British actor award for Dead Man's Shoes.

US director Kevin Smith was handed the independent spirit award for his body of work including Mallrats, Clerks and Jersey Girl.

Richard Curtis (m) presented the outstanding contribution to British cinema award to Tim Bevan (l) and Eric Fellner (r) of Working Title Films. The company has produced many of Curtis' films including Love Actually and Notting Hill.

Harry Potter actress Emma Watson was at the ceremony to hand out the best British film award to the cast of Shaun of the Dead.