Winslet wins Empire film honours

Kate Winslet starred opposite Jim Carrey in Eternal Sunshine

Kate Winslet has beaten Vera Drake star Imelda Staunton to be named best British actress at the Empire film awards in London.

Winslet, who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, also pipped Keira Knightley to the prize.

Freddie Highmore, 12, won best newcomer for his role in Finding Neverland.

Film director Quentin Tarantino was named icon of the decade at the ceremony in London's Guildhall.

Child star Highmore beat Sienna Miller in the best newcomer category for her role in Alfie, opposite partner Jude Law.

Zombie comedy

The awards, which are determined by 12,000 readers of Empire magazine, chose Matt Damon as best actor for The Bourne Supremacy, which was also named best film.

Paddy Considine won best British actor for his performance in Dead Man's Shoes, while zombie comedy Shaun of the Dead took the award for best British film.

The best actress award went to Julie Delpy for Before Sunset - the romantic sequel to 1995's Before Sunrise.

Sam Raimi was named best director for Spider-Man 2, while best British director was Matthew Vaughn for Layer Cake.

The awards ceremony will be screened on Five on Tuesday.