UK filmmagazine Empire crowned King Kong thebest film at its awards last night in London. Kong beat fellow nominees Star Wars Episode III:Revenge Of The Sith, War OfThe Worlds, Crash, and Sin City.

"Thisfilm was made with a lot of passion and a lot of love, the script was crafted,it was a very political film -- and it only cost $270 million," joked actor Andy Serkis, whoaccepted the award.

Johnny Depp was named best actor for Charlieand the Chocolate Factoryand Thandie Newton won best actress for Crash. Kelly Reilly won best newcomerfor Mrs Henderson Presents.

Continuingtheir awards season successes, Steve Box and Nick Park won best director for Wallace & Gromit:The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.

Pride & Prejudice won best British movie. Team America:World Police was named best comedy, KissKiss, Bang Bang wonbest thriller, The Descent won besthorror, Star Wars Episode III won best sci-fi/fantasy.

TheSony Ericsson scene of the year was "The Birth of Vader" from Star Wars Episode III.

The Empire inspiration award went to director Stephen Frears,the icon award went to actor Brian Cox, the contribution to British cinema wentto the team behind the Harry Potterfilms, and Tony Curtis received the lifetime achievement award.

The winnersare voted on by readers of Empire.