Daisy Ridley and John Boyega were awarded the newcomer trophies while J.J. Abrams picked up the Best Director nod.
- Mar 21, 2016
AceShowbiz - "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" came out a big winner at 2016 Jameson Empire Awards. The sci-fi blockbuster went into the Sunday, March 20 event with nine nominations and went home with five of them.
The film's lead stars Daisy Ridley and John Boyega each won a nod for the best newcomer. She said in her acceptance speech that it was "an amazing time to be a woman in film" while Boyega said it had no benefit to complain about the lack of roles for black and minority ethnic actors. The film was later honored with Best Sci-fi/Fantasy, Best Visual Effects and Best Director for J.J. Abrams.
Also a big winner this year was "Mad Max: Fury Road" which took home a total of four nods. The action flick starring Charlize Theron was recognized for Best Make-Up, Best Costumes, Best Soundtrack and Best Production Design. Nevertheless, it was "The Revenant" that won the Best Film Award.
Additionally, Matt Damon picked up the Best Actor award for "The Martian" and he was on hand to accept the trophy. His "Bourne" director Paul Greengrass handed him the award and the actor was delighted because he didn't know that Greengrass would be there.
The ceremony, which was held in London, was hosted by writer and comedian David Walliams.
List of winners at 2016 Jameson Empire Awards:
- Best Comedy: "Spy"
- Best Sci-fi/Fantasy: "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"
- Best Horror: "The Hallow"
- Best Thriller: "Spectre"
- Best Male Newcomer: John Boyega, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"
- Best Female Newcomer: Daisy Ridley, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"
- Best British Film: "Spectre"
- Best Film: "The Revenant"
- Best TV Series: "This Is England '90"
- Empire Inspiration: Paddy Considine
- Best Director: J.J. Abrams, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"
- Best Actress: Alicia Vikander, "The Danish Girl"
- Best Actor: Matt Damon, "The Martian"
- Empire Legend: Alan Rickman
- Empire Hero: Stanley Tucci
- Best Screenplay: "The Big Short" - Adam McKay, Charles Randolph
- Best Animated Film: "Inside Out (2015)"
- Best Documentary: "Amy"
- Best Soundtrack: "Mad Max: Fury Road"
- Best Costume Design: "Mad Max: Fury Road"
- Best Visual Effects: "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"
- Best Short Film: "World of Tomorrow"
- Best Production Design: "Mad Max: Fury Road"
- Best Game: "Batman: Arkham Knight"
