Regional press film critics have named Slumdog Millionaire as their film of the year in the Richard Attenborough Film Awards, announced today.
The film also won the filmmaker of the year prize for director Danny Boyle and rising star of the year prize for actor Dev Patel.
Actress of the year was Kate Winslet, for The Reader; actor of the year went to Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler and screenwriter of the year was Martin McDonagh, for In Bruges.
The awards are run by the Film Distributors’ Association, which also organises Cinema Days – an annual weekend event where regional press film critics have the opportunity to preview a number of forthcoming film releases.
Boyle said: ‘This is a delight and an honour to be recognised for Slumdog Millionaire. My only regret is it doesn’t happen for every film.
“Love and thanks from everyone involved in Slumdog Millionaire, and a big shout to all our friends at Cinema Days.
‘I would walk across hot coals, and often have, to get to the Cinema Days screenings. It’s brilliant, I love meeting the regional critics as they emerge glassy-eyed from twelve hours of consecutive screenings!”
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