‘Fantastic Beasts’ and ‘Rogue One’ Win Big at U.K.’s Empire Awards

A year may have almost passed since Cannes 2016, but the awards for Palme d’Or winner I, Daniel Blake keep rolling in. 

Ken Loach’s drama about the U.K.’s failing benefits system added to its growing tally of honors by scooping two more at the Three Empire Awards in London on Sunday night. The film won best newcomer for actor Dave Johns, who joked about his age (61), together with best British film, which was presented by The Hollywood Reporter.

Actress Hayley Squires read out a text message from Loach, who, she said, was “probably doing something European.” The director pointed out that the film had been attacked by Conservative Party ministers who claimed that it was “fictitious” but then admitted to not having seen it. 

The biggest winner of the night was Harry Potter spinoff Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which won four awards, including best actor for Eddie Redmayne. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story earned three awards, including best actress for Felicity Jones and best director for Gareth Edwards. 

Elsewhere, Anya Taylor-Joy won best female newcomer for The Witch, which also snared the best horror award. The Greasy Strangler won best comedy, Bourne best thriller, A Monster Calls best sci-fi/fantasy, Deadpool best screenplay, Finding Dory best animated film, La La Land best soundtrack, Doctor Strange best visual effects and Inner Workings best short film. 

Among the major names in attendance were Tom Hiddleston, who was awarded Empire’s hero award, presented to him by his The Night Manager co-star Hugh Laurie. Luc Besson earned the Empire inspiration award; arguably the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for Patrick Stewart, recipient of the Empire Legend award, handed to him by his close friend Ian McKellen. 

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