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Mirren's reign over awards continues

Actress named best by US critics

by Amber Wilkinson

Helen Mirren added another award to collection for her role as the Queen, when she was crowned best actress by the Broadcast Film Critics Association.

The veteran Brit has been scooping awards and nominations - including a BAFTA and Golden Globes nod - since taking the lead role in Stephen Frears' drama, set in the aftermath of the death of Princess Di and is heavily tipped to score an Oscar nomination, too.

Sacha Baron Cohen also chalked up a win for Britain, walking away with the best comedy film award for controversial comedy about spoof Kazakhstan reporter Borat.

Despite missing out on best comedy to Borat, road trip romp Little Miss Sunshine, was one of the evenings big winners, scooping the awards for both best young actor categories, best writer and best ensemble.

Martin Scorsese, meanwhile, said he was "surprised" to receive the awards for best picture and best director, for his drama about police corruption. Forest Whitaker - like Mirren, tipped for Oscar success - won best actor for his role in The Last King Of Scotland, which opened in the UK on Friday.

The full list of winners is below:

Best Picture: The Departed

Best Actor: Forest Whitaker - The Last King of Scotland

Best Actress: Helen Mirren - The Queen

Best Supporting Actor: Eddie Murphy - Dreamgirls

Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Hudson - Dreamgirls

Best Acting Ensemble: Little Miss Sunshine

Best Director: Martin Scorsese - The Departed

Best Writer: Michael Arndt - Little Miss Sunshine

Best Animated Feature: Cars

Best Young Actor: Paul Dano - Little Miss Sunshine

Best Young Actress: Abigail Breslin - Little Miss Sunshine