James Cameron`s `Avatar` bags 3 gongs at Empire Awards

London: James Cameron`s 3D sci-fi saga Avatar bagged three awards at the Empire Film Awards in London.

Cameron walked away with the trophy for the best director while Avatar received the prize for the best film and Zoe Saldana was named the best actress. Sir Ian McKellen, famous for playing Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, was given the Empire Icon award. JJ Abrams` Star Trek (2009) was named the best sci-fi/fantasy movie. Simon Pegg, who played Scotty, picked up the award on behalf of the film unit. "It`s nice to see some recognition," a news channel quoted him, as saying. Pegg added: "Star Trek was a hard thing to do, JJ did it with amazing aplomb. He took a story that people were starting to lose interest in - in the mainstream - and brought it back to a larger audience." Sir Ian McKellen said: "I`ve played iconic parts - I think that`s the point. I played Gandalf the Grey and the White and Magneto. So their lustre rubs off on me rather than the other way round." Fellow Lord of The Rings star Andy Serkis, who received the Inspiration Award, said: "I had no idea. I was prepared to just sit and have a few beers and enjoy the show tonight, so it took me completely by surprise." Aaron Johnson, 19, was named as the best new comer for playing a young John Lennon in Nowhere Boy. Ray Winstone was awarded for outstanding contribution to British cinema, while Jude Law, recently seen as Dr Watson in Sherlock Holmes, bagged the title of Empire Hero. The movie, helmed by Guy Ritchie, was selected for the best thriller award. Inglourious Basterds star Christoph Waltz, who won an Oscar earlier this month, clinched the best actor award. Harry Brown, starring Sir Michael Caine, emerged as the best British film while In The Loop was named best comedy. Swedish film Let The Right One In claimed the award for Best horror flick. The Empire awards night, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, was hosted by Irish comedian Dara O``Briain. Readers of Empire mag cast their votes online and chose the nominations. ANI