James Cameron's 3D blockbuster Avatar received three accolades at the 2010 Empire Film Awards.

The sci-fi fantasy film won best film, Cameron scooped the best director prize and Zoe Saldana won best actress.

Bizarrely, comedian Johnny Vegas accepted the Best Actress award on behalf of Star Trek and Avatar star Saldana.

He joked: "I could have painted myself blue, but it's been done...We're friends - get over it. We were in a relationship but it's something we don't like to talk about."

Oscar winning actor and star of Inglourious Basterds Christoph Waltz added another gong to his collection by winning the best actor award.

Sir Ian McKellen, who starred in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the X-Men movies, was presented with the prestigious Empire Icon award.

He said: "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."

Fellow Lord of The Rings star Andy Serkis was surprised at the ceremony with the My Inspiration Award.

And there was more British success for Ray Winstone who collected the Outstanding Contribution award and Jude Law, recently seen as Dr Watson in Sherlock Holmes, was awarded the title of Empire Hero.

The film itself, directed by Guy Ritchie, picked up the best thriller award.