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CINEMA'S BIGGEST STARS BRIGHTEN RAINY LONDON

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20 FEBRUARY 2006

There was plenty of glitz but little glory for Britain at the Baftas on Sunday evening when high-wattage stars including Pierce Brosnan, Rachel Weisz and Charlize Theron braved a rain-soaked red carpet. "A soggy carpet - very English," quipped the North Country actress.



Such was the downpour that interviewer Ruby Wax handed out hot water bottles, and scarves to celebrities. But the Americans would have been singing in the rain as the US took top honours in the best film, actress and actor categories.

Her curvaceous figure swathed in an exquisite purple Vivienne Westwood gown, pregnant Rachel Weisz arrived with an umbrella and an upbeat smile. But having won in the style stakes, the Constant Gardener star lost out on the best actress gong to Walk The Line's Reese Witherspoon, who didn't manage to make it to the extravaganza.

Rachel's co-star Ralph Fiennes - accompanied by sister Sophie following the break-up of his relationship with Francesca Annis - also went home empty-handed. He was pipped to the best actor post by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the title role for Capote.

Brokeback Mountain swept the board, with Jake Gyllenhaal winning best supporting actor for his role as a love-struck cowboy. The tale also lassoed best director and best film.

The only British success story of the evening came when Thandie Newton - stunning in delicate Christian Le Croix couture - picked up a best supporting actress gong for her performance in racial drama Crash and pronounced it "an absolutely amazing" feeling.