The Social Network Wins Big at London Critics' Awards

Increasing the interest around tomorrow's Bafta Awards and the building Oscar race, The Social Network won in four major categories at the 31st London Critics’ Circle Film Awards on Thursday night. The film about Facebook's creation took Film of the Year, while Aaron Sorkin was awarded for his excellent script with Screenwriter of the Year. Emerging young actor Andrew Garfield received Best British Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of Zuckerberg's best friend Eduardo Saverin, and director David Fincher picked up Director of the Year.

The Social Network's biggest rival for the Oscars, The King's Speech, also received plaudits, as the race for the gold statues intensifies. It took the Attenborough Award for British Film of the Year, while Colin Firth received Actor of the Year for his performance as the stuttering King George VI and director Tom Hooper was awarded with British Director of the Year. The symmetry in the awards gives no clue as to who will take Best Director and Picture at the Oscars, the two awards that seem destined to go to one of these two films.

Other winners included Christian Bale for British Actor of the Year, now looking likely to add a Bafta tomorrow night to his growing trophy cabinet following his outstanding performance in The Fighter, and Gareth Edwards as Breakthrough British Film-maker for his film Monsters.