Martin Scorsese was nameddirector of the year for The Aviator at the 25th Awards ofthe London Film Critics' Circle last night.

Scorsese was presented withthe award by Cate Blanchett, one of the stars of the film, at a ceremony in aidof the NSPCC at the Dorchester Hotel in London.

However The Aviatormissed out on the Film of the Year award, which went to Sideways. Othercompetitors in the best film category were Eternal Sunshine Of The SpotlessMind, The Motorcycle Diaries and House Of Flying Daggers.

Vera Drake was named British Film of the Year. It received atotal of five awards including British Director of the year and BritishScreenwriter of the Year for Mike Leigh.

Imelda Staunton, the film'sleading lady, was crowned actress of the year. Her co-star Phil Davis was namedbest British Actor in a Supporting Role.

Kate Winslet and EvaBirthistle shared the British Actress of the Year award for Eternal SunshineOf The Spotless Mind and Ae Fond Kiss respectively.

Jamie Foxx took the Actor ofthe Year accolade for his performance in Ray and Daniel Craig took theBritish Actor of the Year award for his role in Enduring Love.

Ae Fond Kiss director Ken Loach, was honoured with The DilysPowell Award for his outstanding contribution to cinema and producer, NormaHeyman received a special award introduced to mark the Awards' 25thanniversary.