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BAFTAs 2015: The Theory of Everything wins big at the UK's top cine awards

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The Theory of Everything took home one of the most coveted awards at the 2015 BAFTAs on Sunday night. The film, which is based on the life of Professor Stephen Hawking, was named Outstanding British Film.

The film beat the likes of The Imitation Game and Pride to the prize, which was presented by England footie star David Beckham. Lead stars Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones were thrilled to accept the award alongside their fellow cast and crew. The film's producer Eric Fellner dedicated the award to Professor Stephen Hawking and his first wife Jane Wilde Hawking, who were both sat in the audience.

felicity jones1 © Photo: Getty Images
Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne accepted the Outstanding British Film award from David Beckham

Felicity Jones later joined Professor Stephen Hawking on stage to present the award for Visual Effects. The pair received a standing ovation from the audience before presenting Interstellar with the second award of the evening.

Eddie Redmayne continued his awards season winning streak when he was once again named Best Leading Actor for his performance in The Theory of Everything. The 33-year-old beat the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch and Ralph Fiennes to the award which he said meant a "huge amount" to him.

In his acceptance speech, Eddie said it was "one of the greatest nights of my life," and took the time to dedicate the award to three families. The actor first thanked his own family who he described as his "bedrock", followed by his professional family, including his co-star Felicity Jones. Finally, Eddie said that the award "belongs to one incredible family" and thanked the Hawking family for their trust, generosity and kindness.

eddie redmayne © Photo: Rex
Eddie Redmayne was named Best Leading Actor

The Imitation Game actor Benedict had earlier admitted that he hadn't expected to win the award, as he believed 2015 is "Eddie Redmayne's year".

The Best Leading Actress award was claimed by Julianne Moore, who has also won Golden Globe and SAG Awards for her performance as an early onset Alzheimer's patient in Still Alice.

winners © Photo: Rex

The 54-year-old had faced competition from Amy Adams, Felicity Jones, Reese Witherspoon and Rosamund Pike for the award.

Julianne Moore © Photo: Getty Images
Julianne Moore took the Leading Actress award for Still Alice

Tom Cruise was a surprise guest on presenting duty to hand out the award for Best Film. The honour was bestowed on Boyhood, which also earned Richard Linklater an award for Best Director.

Other big winners included J.K Simmons, who was named Best Supporting Actor for his role in Whiplash. Accepting his award from Reese Witherspoon, he said: "This whole experience has been a gift to me," before thanking his wife Michelle Schumacher and their "two above-average children".

JK Simmons © Photo: Getty Images
J.K Simmons was named Best Supporting Actor

Meanwhile Keira Knightley's hopes of taking home a BAFTA were dashed by Patricia Arquette, who beat her to take home the Best Supporting Actress award for her performance in Boyhood. She thanked members of her family, Ethan Hawke, and director Richard Linklater, telling him: "I have been in a work of art because of you... you broke all the rules of cinema... you made an ordinary story extraordinary."

Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel won five awards; Original Screenplay, Original Music, Best Hair and Make-up, Production Design and Costume Design.

Jack O'Connell was named EE's Rising Star, beating competition from Shailene Woodley, Miles Teller, Margot Robbie and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.