The Artist was named best film, with Michel Hazanavicius taking the best director award; Tinker Tailor picked up three awards including Best British Film.

The Artist has been named film of the year at the sixth annual Richard Attenborough Awards, which are voted for by the UK’s regional media.

Michel Hazanavicius was named best film-maker for The Artist, whilst Bridget O’Connor & Peter Straughan were named screenwriters of the year for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.  

Michael Fassbender picked up the award for best actor for his performance in Shame. The performance of the year by an actress went to BAFTA favourite Meryl Streep.

The Rising Star Award went to Tom Hiddleston, who has this year starred in War Horse, Midnight In Paris and The Deep Blue Sea. He is nominated for a BAFTA Rising Star Award.

A further 7 categories were voted for by the UK public, with the British Film Of The Year award going to Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Gary Oldman was also voted the Best British Film Star for his performance in Tinker Tailor.

Arthur Christmas was named Best Animation, with the Best Family Film Award going to The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn.

Robert Pattinson was voted Film Star of the year, while the UK public’s most anticipated film of 2012 was Christopher Nolans’ next Batman instalment, The Dark Knight Rises.

The film blog of the year went to CineVue’s online offering.

Established in 2006, the UK Regional Film Awards are dedicated to Richard Attenborough. This year’s event was hosted by broadcasters James King and Hilary Oliver in London today.