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February 15, 2011

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British film wins big at UK awards

THE royal drama "The King's Speech" was crowned the big winner at Britain's top film awards, the BAFTAs - a sign that it may reign again at Hollywood's Academy Awards in two weeks' time.

The made-in-England story of King George VI and his struggle to overcome a stutter won seven prizes on Sunday, including best picture and acting trophies for Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush.

It had to share the crown jewels with Facebook-founding drama "The Social Network," which took three prizes including best director for David Fincher. Mind-bending saga "Inception" also won three trophies.

"The King's Speech" went into the awards as heavy favorite with 14 nominations - an unexpected British triumph that cost a reported 15 million pounds (US$24 million) to make and has taken many times that at the global box office.

Perfectly timed in a year that sees the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the movie tells the true story of George VI, thrust unexpectedly onto the throne by his elder brother's abdication, and his battle to overcome a stammer with the help of an unconventional speech therapist.

Screenwriter David Seidler said he was astonished that this small film about "two men in a room" had been so popular around the world.

As expected, Firth won best actor for his portrayal of the reluctant monarch. He has already won a best actor trophy at the Golden Globes and is a favorite for an Oscar.

"I like coming here," said Firth, who won the same prize last year for "A Single Man."

"The King's Speech" also took awards for best British film, original screenplay, original music, supporting actor for Rush's turn as speech therapist Lionel Logue and supporting actress, for Bonham Carter's performance as the Queen Mother Elizabeth.

 

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