Helen Mirren is really a queen

Royalty reigned at the British film awards on Sunday, with "The Queen" clinching best film and Helen Mirren best actress for her portrayal of the monarch, while "The Last King of Scotland" scooped three awards.

In contrast, the latest James Bond movie failed to shake or stir, picking up just one of the nine BAFTA nominations it received -- winning in the sound quality category.

The other main victor on a night of glitz and glamour in London's theater-packed West End was "Pan's Labyrinth" -- a dark fantasy set just after the end of the Spanish Civil War -- which also picked up three awards.

All eyes were on Mirren as she accepted the mask-shaped trophy at a star-studded BAFTA award ceremony at the Royal Opera House.

"I wish I could sing," she said, speaking from a stage normally reserved for operas. "This is great. What an honor," the actress added, looking suitably regal in a flowing champagne-colored gown and large pearl necklace.

Mirren, 61, beat Judi Dench, nominated for her role in the school sex drama "Notes on a Scandal," Penelope Cruz for "Volver," Meryl Streep for the fashion comedy "The Devil Wears Prada" and Kate Winslet for "Little Children."

She thanked her "royal" cast, including the corgis, and gave a tearful note of gratitude to her mentor, actor Ian Richardson, who died last week and to whom she dedicated the award.

With the Oscars looming and expectations of another victory growing, Mirren made light of her status as this season's hot favorite, likening herself to a dog tipped to win at the races.

"Oooh, she's coming in, she's coming in at 25:1. The bitch, the bitch is coming in, 'The Queen,' I think she is going to win I think she is going to win. She is," joked Mirren at a news conference after the ceremony.

"The Queen" also scooped best film ahead of Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's globe-spanning drama "Babel," Martin Scorsese's crime thriller "The Departed," the offbeat family comedy "Little Miss Sunshine" and "The Last King of Scotland," about the late Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.

KINGS AND QUEENS

It was a night for kings as well as queens as Forest Whitaker was named best actor for his role as Amin in "The Last King of Scotland." He dedicated the award to his grandmother, who he said had died two days earlier.

Whitaker edged out competition from Daniel Craig, the controversial but ultimately successful choice to replace Pierce Brosnan as superspy James Bond in "Casino Royale."

Other nominees were Leonardo DiCaprio in "The Departed," Richard Griffiths in "The History Boys" and Peter O'Toole in "Venus." "The Last King of Scotland" also clinched best British film and the adapted screenplay awards.

The Spanish-language "Pan's Labyrinth" enjoyed success, topping the best foreign language category as well as best costume design and make-up and hair.

The race for best director was won by Paul Greengrass for his fact-based Sept. 11 drama "United 93." He beat Stephen Frears ("The Queen") and Scorsese ("The Departed").

"It was an amazing journey making this film," Greengrass said in his acceptance speech. "We gathered together to try and think about 9/11 and what it meant and what it means today and what it is going to mean going on from here."

Best supporting actor went to Alan Arkin ("Little Miss Sunshine"), and best supporting actress was won by Jennifer Hudson for her role in the musical "Dreamgirls."

A host of actors, comedians and other stars presented the awards, including pop princess Kylie Minogue, who added some extra sparkle in a blue and pink vintage mini-dress when she awarded best film music to "Babel."