The Empire Awards were held this weekend, and a buffet of hot men showed up, many of them to pick up awards. Russell Crowe got the lifetime achievement award, and during his acceptance speech he read Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If.” James McAvoy picked up the prize for Best Sci-Fi Hero for Wanted, and Viggo Mortensen received the Icon Award.

Guy Ritchie collected the Best British Film award for Rocknrolla, and the film’s star Gerard Butler came out to celebrate. The Dark Knight’s Christian Bale was named Best Actor (though Bale didn’t show up in person), and Quantum of Solace’s Gemma Arterton was named Best Newcomer.

Surprising no one, Slumdog Millionaire’s Danny Boyle was also honored for his contributions to British film, although The Dark Knight walked away with Best Picture.

[Guy Ritchie’s] gangster caper RockNRolla took the best British film prize at the Empire Film Awards, which is voted for by readers of the monthly film magazine. And Guy was in a jubilant mood as he took to the stage to collect the gong along with some of the film’s cast, including Scottish actor Gerard Butler, although he declined to speak to the press afterwards.

It was also a big night for Bond girl Gemma Arterton, who was recognised as the best newcomer. “I’m going to put it next to my only other award, which I won for a short play festival when I was 14. This is a proper one,” said the actress, elegant in an off the shoulder floaty mini-dress.

One of the big talking points of the night was Russell Crowe’s acceptance speech for his lifetime achievement award. The Australian star recited Rudard Kipling’s poem If before telling the audience: “Thank you for this honour and the opportunity to read some poetry at a British awards ceremony.”

“It’s one of my favourite things to do,” continued the Gladiator star, whose reading of Patrick Kavanagh’s Sanctity was edited out of the TV broadcast of the 2002 BAFTAs.

Other winners included James McAvoy named best sci-fi hero for his role opposite Angelina Jolie in Wanted, and Viggo Mortensen. The Lord Of The Rings actor was presented with an icon award by Sharpe star Sean Bean.

Batman flick The Dark Knight also received three trophies – including the coveted best film award – while the late Heath Ledger was awarded a special commemorative gong for his life’s work.

[From Hello Magazine]

I just rented RocknRolla over the weekend, and I was really surprised by just how good it was. Every actor is superior in that film, from Gerard Butler to Tom Wilkinson to Mark Strong. Plus, it was really funny in a very dark way. I highly recommend it, and I’m a little surprised that more people weren’t talking about it as one of the better films of 2008.

Images thanks to WENN .