Martin Freeman shortly after winning his award (AAP)
The Hobbit, Skyfall win Empire Awards
NZN / WENN.com
March 25, 2013
Martin Freeman, named Best Actor at the Jameson Empire Awards in London for his role as Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, is eagerly anticipating his return to Wellington for more filming in the trilogy.
The Hobbit also picked up the award for Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film at the star-studded ceremony this morning (NZ time).
Freeman is returning to New Zealand in May for a couple of months more filming on Sir Peter Jackson's epic adaptation.
"I'm looking forward to going back," Freeman said after receiving his award.
"There are restaurants and record shops I'm looking forward to going back to. And it's a lovely bunch of people as well, so to spend two more months out there is fine and dandy.
"We'd better finish the films. I think it's contractual we should finish them!"
Meanwhile, Skyfall director Sam Mendes picked up three awards at the awards, including trophies for Best Director and Best Film.
Mendes also picked up the Empire Inspiration prize at the star-studded Grosvenor House ceremony.
Dame Helen Mirren also had a night to remember - she received the Empire Legend award just hours before her much-anticipated TV movie about music mogul Phil Spector aired in America.
Danny Boyle, who recently ruled himself out of the race to become Mendes' Bond movie successor, was presented with the Empire Outstanding Contribution honour. Jennifer Lawrence was named Best Actress for her portrayal of literary heroine Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games.
Daniel Radcliffe was named this year's Empire Hero and his spooky film The Woman In Black won the award for Best Horror.
