Leonardo DiCaprio Named Best Actor At BAFTAs

Leonardo DiCaprio has been named best actor at the BAFTAs in London for his role in The Revenant.

The American star was the firm favourite for the prize, with even his British rival Eddie Redmayne tipping him to get the trophy.

DiCaprio thanked his mother and said he was "absolutely honoured by this award" during his speech at London's Royal Opera House.

"As an actor I've been influenced by so many British actors. I want to thank one particular British actor and that is Mr Tom Hardy

"Of course, Alejandro, thank you for becoming a great friend."

He also paid tribute to his Titanic co-star and "home girl" Kate Winslet.

DiCaprio beat Redmayne, who was nominated for The Danish Girl, as well as Michael Fassbender, Matt Damon and Bryan Cranston.

He is also favourite to win the best actor Oscar in two weeks' time.

The Revenant was also named best film and Mexican Alejandro G Inarritu won the best director prize.

The film, which was made in freezing conditions in Canada and Argentina, was also recognised for its cinematography and sound.

British stars Winslet and Mark Rylance won the supporting actress and actor prizes.

The Steve Jobs star's win follows her success at the Golden Globes last month.

:: See a full list of winners here

She beat Alicia Vikander, Julie Walters, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Rooney Mara.

Redmayne presented Winslet with the award who said: "Oh my gosh - what an incredible year to be nominated. It's been an extraordinary year for women, I really am quite overwhelmed.

"Michael Fassbender you lead us through this - you are an extraordinary actor."

Rylance, who stars in Bridge Of Spies, was victorious over fellow Britons Idris Elba, and Christian Bale and also Benicio del Toro and Mark Ruffalo.

The film's director Steven Spielberg collected the award on his behalf as Rylance is performing in an off-Broadway play.

Brie Larson was named leading actress for her role in Room, about a mother and her young son who are held captive.

Brooklyn won the first prize of the night, after being named outstanding British film.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens won the trophy for special visual effects.

One of the film's stars John Boyega, who plays Finn, won the Rising Star award, beating competition from Dakota Johnson, Bel Powley, Brie Larson and Taron Egerton. The award was the only one voted for by the public.

Boyega revealed he is due to start filming Episode VIII on Monday morning and is being collected at 6am so may have to curtail the partying.

George Miller's Mad Max: Fury Road took away the make up and hair, costume and production design and editing trophies.

Sidney Poitier won the BAFTA Fellowship Award but could not be at the event due to ill-health.

Inside Out won the prize for best animated film.

Film-maker Asif Kapadia said of Amy after it won best documentary: "In the end it was all about Amy. We really fell in love with her when making the film. And our aim and mission was really to try and tell the truth about her."

Stars featured in the event's In Memoriam segment included Alan Rickman, Sir Christopher Lee, Maureen O'Hara, Omar Sharif and David Bowie.

As the ceremony got under way protesters staged a peaceful demonstration against what they described as a lack of diversity in front of the camera.

Competing with the screams of excited fans, members of the Creatives of Colour Network chanted "cameras, lights, action, diversity and satisfaction" to promote their message.