Knightley wins Variety award
Monday, 19 Nov 2007 12:22
Keira has attracted Oscar buzz for her role in Atonement.
Atonement star Keira Knightley has been named film actress of the year at the Variety Club Showbiz Awards in London.
The 22-year-old said she was "so honoured" to be praised by such an "extraordinary organisation", with her win on the back of an Oscar nomination for her role as Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice and critical acclaim for her work in Joe Wright's Atonement.
Sleuth star Jude Law was named film actor of the year, but did not attend the ceremony at the London Hilton as he was attending the premiere of his new movie before flying back to Canada where he is filming Repossession Mambo with Forest Whitaker.
Any Dream Will Do winner Lee Mead took the outstanding new talent award on the eve of the release of his debut album while Westlife and Katherine Jenkins were named recording artists and classical performer of the year respectively.
Lee Evans took the best comedy prize while Life on Mars actor Philip Glenister was rewarded for the TV performance of the year.
And ahead of his final chat show, Michael Parkinson won the outstanding contribution to showbusiness award, presented by Sir Ian McKellen.
The TV legend has announced the lineup for his last show, with David Beckham, Dame Judi Dench, Sir David Attenborough, Sir Michael Caine, Peter Kay, Billy Connolly and Dame Edna Everage to appear, while Jamie Cullum will provide the music.