Zeta Jones wins best actress award

Zeta Jones thanked the judges in a video message

Catherine Zeta Jones has been honoured at the Evening Standard Film Awards for her starring role in the musical Chicago.

She was named best actress in the ceremony at London's Savoy hotel for her portrayal of vampish killer Velma Kelly.

Zeta Jones, 33, relayed a message of thanks via a video link from the US.

She and her husband Michael Douglas are due in the capital later this month for a High Court battle - which begins on Monday - with celebrity magazine Hello! in a row over publication of their wedding pictures.

Evening Standard Film Awards

Best film - Dirty Pretty Things

Best actor - Chiwetel Ejiofor

Best actress - Catherine Zeta Jones

Most promising newcomer - Asif Kapadia

Special achievement - Barbara Broccoli, Michael G Wilson

At last month's Golden Globes ceremony in Hollywood, Zeta Jones missed out in the best actress category to her Chicago co-star Renee Zellweger.

At the forthcoming Baftas, Zellweger has again been nominated for best actress, while Zeta Jones has to settle for the best supporting actress category.

The Evening Standard ceremony, hosted by comic Jack Dee, was attended by stars including Hugh Grant, Bond actress Rosamund Pike and model Heidi Klum.

Dirty Pretty Things, the story of illegal immigrants living in London, was named best film while its star Chiwetel Ejiofor won best actor.

Chiwetel Ejiofor's acting role was honoured

Asif Kapadia, director of Hindi film The Warrior, won most promising newcomer.

Neil Hunter and Tom Hunsinger picked up the award for best screenplay for Lawless Heart.

Production designer Eve Stewart won the technical achievement award for Mike Leigh's All Or Nothing.

Hugh Grant presented the Peter Sellers award for comedy to Keith Fulton, Louis Pepe and Lucy Darwin for the Terry Gilliam film Lost In La Mancha.

James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson received a special achievement award presented by former 007 Roger Moore.

The daughter and stepson of original Bond producer Cubby Broccoli, they have just overseen the release of the 20th film in the hugely successful Bond franchise.

The ceremony will be screened on Carlton Television on Wednesday night at 2330 GMT.