LONDON, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- "Vera Drake," a drama about a 1950s abortionist, was best film and Imelda Staunton was best actress in the 2004 Evening Standard British Film Awards.
Staunton also is a best actress nominee in the upcoming U.S. Academy Awards, World Entertainment News Network reported.
Staunton and "Vera Drake" director Mike Leigh were the big winners in the weekend ceremony in London. Among other awards, Paddy Considine took best actor honors for his work in "Dead Man's Shoes."
Working Title films co-Chairmen Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner picked up the Alexander Walker Special Award, which honors lasting contributions to the British film industry. Working Title has had a string of successes including "About a Boy," "Billy Elliot" and "My Beautiful Laundrette."
