Sam Mendes wins big at Empire Awards

London: `Skyfall` director Sam Mendes picked up three awards at the Jameson Empire Awards, including trophies for Best Director and Best Film. Mendes also picked up the Empire Inspiration prize at the star-studded Grosvenor House ceremony, reported Contactmusic. Helen Mirren also received the Empire Legend award just hours before her much-anticipated TV movie about music mogul Phil Spector aired in America. Meanwhile, Danny Boyle, who recently ruled himself out of the race to become Mendes` Bond movie successor, was presented with the Empire Outstanding Contribution honour, while Martin Freeman took home the Best Actor gong for his role in `The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey`, which picked up the Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film. Jennifer Lawrence was named Best Actress for her portrayal of literary heroine Katniss Everdeen in `The Hunger Games`. Daniel Radcliffe was named this year`s Empire Hero and his spooky film `The Woman In Black` won the award for Best Horror. PTI