'Middle Earth rejoices' says McKellen of Empire Icon win

SIR Ian McKellen was last night crowned the Empire Icon for his long and varied film career at the Jameson Empire Awards 2010.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Mar 2010, 23:51 BST
Updated 29th Mar 2010, 00:06 BST

The 70-year-old actor, who won an Oscar for his role as film-maker James Whale in Gods and Monsters and is loved by many for his roles in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the X-Men films, was honoured at the ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.

Sir Ian said: "I couldn't be more surprised or delighted. Middle Earth rejoices!"

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Fellow British actor Ray Winstone received the Outstanding Contribution To British Film award, while Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes picked up the Best Thriller award.

Jude Law, who plays Dr Watson in the film, was awarded the title of Empire Hero presented by Jameson Irish Whiskey, while 19-year-old British actor Aaron Johnson – who won praise for his portrayal of a young John Lennon in Nowhere Boy and stars in current action comedy Kick Ass – was named Best Newcomer presented by Kiss 100.

James Cameron's 3D epic Avatar picked up Best Film.