Colin Firth's BAFTA win

Colin Firth was named Best Actor at last night's (21.02.10) BAFTA Awards for his role as a gay academic in Tom Ford's 'A Single Man'.

Colin Firth was named Best Actor at last night's (21.02.10) BAFTA Awards.

The 49-year-old star won the prestigious honour for his role as a gay academic in Tom Ford's 'A Single Man', which was the fashion designer's directorial debut.

When accepting the award at London's Royal Opera House, Colin said: "I'm now a more resuscitated, a little more worldly, better groomed, more fragrant and more nominated than one has ever been before.

"What Tom Ford doesn't know is I have the e-mail in my outbox telling him I could not possibly do this. I was about to send this when a man came to repair my fridge.

"I don't know what's best for me so I would like to thank the fridge guy."

Fellow Briton Carey Mulligan was named Best Actress for her role in 'An Education' and the 24-year-old blonde was shocked with her win.

She said: "I was here a year ago and I didn't imagine in a million years that this would happen. I wish I could do a speech like Colin Firth and talk about fridges but I can't."

'The Hurt Locker' - about bomb disposal experts in Iraq - was named Best Film, beating James Cameron's 3-D epic 'Avatar'.

As well as Best Film, the movie won a further five awards, including Best Director for Kathryn Bigelow, who became the first woman to receive the prize.

During her acceptance speech, Kathryn said: "I would like to dedicate this to never abandoning the need to find a resolution for peace."

Best Supporting Actress went to newcomer Mo'Nique for her role as an abusive mother in 'Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire', while 'Inglourious Basterds' star Christoph Waltz was named as Best Supporting Actor.

'Twilight' star Kristen Stewart received the Rising Star prize - which is voted for by the British public - beating Best Actress Carey Mulligan and 'A Single Man' star Nicholas Hoult.

At the end of the ceremony, campaigning actress Vanessa Redgrave was given this year's BAFTA Fellowship, which was presented by Britain's Prince William and Uma Thurman.

After receiving a standing ovation, the 73-year-old star said: "Oh dear, I'm afraid you've done me in. Your Royal Highness, my dear, beautiful Uma, my dear BAFTA friends and colleagues, yes you've done me in, you have absolutely done me in."

Main BAFTA Winners 2010:

Best Film - 'The Hurt Locker'

Best Actor - Colin Firth - 'A Single Man'

Best Actress - Carey Mulligan - 'An Education'

Best Supporting Actor - Christoph Waltz - 'Inglourious Basterds'

Best Supporting Actress - Mo'Nique 'Precious...'

Best Director - Kathryn Bigelow 'The Hurt Locker'

Best British Film - 'Fish Tank'

Rising Star: Kristen Stewart

BAFTA Fellowship - Vanessa Redgrave