Helen Mirren accuses Skyfall director Sam Mendes of sexism at Empire awards

'Skyfall' won a host of gongs at the Empire Awards, but the wins were overshadowed by Helen Mirren accusing director Sam Mendes of sexism on stage.

Collecting one of his prizes, Mendes cited film-makers including Francois Truffaut and Paul Thomas Anderson as his inspirations.

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When Helen Mirren went on stage to collect a 'Legend Award', she replied: “I don’t want to unduly pick on Sam Mendes, but when he spoke about his inspirations earlier this evening, I’m afraid not a single one of the people he mentioned was a woman."

She added: “Hopefully in five or ten years, when Sam’s successor is collecting their Inspiration Award, the list will be slightly more balanced in terms of its sexual make-up. In the meantime, this one is for the girls. Go girls!”

In his speech introducing Mirren, Tom Hiddleston said the actress was "luscious, intelligent and hot" and said she was a "legend of the empire".

Collecting the award, Mirren responded that she was "more of a leg over than a legend". She said she "hadn't loved every minute" of being a film star because of working in the rain and bad reviews. "Critics bloody well piss me off!" she said.

'Skyfall was named 'Best Film' at the event, held at the Grosvenor House.

Collecting the award, producer Michael G. Wilson said the gong was a 'great honour', and said they make the 'Bond' films for fans, not critics.

The Bond 23 helmsman Mendes also won the Best Director and the special Empire Inspiration awards from the film magazine.

Meanwhile, Martin Freeman was awarded Best Actor for his role as Bilbo Baggins in 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey', which also won Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy.

He joked that his fellow nominees, including 'Lincoln' actor Daniel Day-Lewis and 'Avengers' star Robert Downey-Junior were a "load of old rubbish".

Gongs were also handed out to 'Sightseers', which was surprisingly named Best British Film, Jennifer Lawrence, who was named Best Actress for 'The Hunger Games', and 'Ted' which was awarded Best Comedy.

Best Male and Female Newcomers were Tom Holland for 'The Impossible' and Samantha Barks for 'Les Miserables'.

Danny Boyle took home the Outstanding Contribution award, joking that his biggest achievement was his 'Skyfall trailer', in the form of the Olympic opening ceremony.

Daniel Radcliffe won the Empire Hero award, presented to him  by 'Woman in Black' director James Watkins.

Elsewhere Best Thriller went to 'Headhunters', Best Horror to 'Woman In Black', Best 3D to 'Dredd 3D'.