Amidst the controversy over the lack of diversity in the Oscar nominations this year, actor Idris Elba has won big at the London Evening Standard British Film Awards.
The 43-year-old actor has grabbed the best actor award for his role in West African civil war drama 'Beasts Of No Nation,' while Dame Maggie Smith received the best actress award for her performance in 'The Lady In The Van,' the Independent reports.
It is said that the 'Wire' actor thrashed Irish actor Michael Fassbender, nominated for the title roles in both 'Steve Jobs' and 'Macbeth,' and Tom Courtenay, who was up for '45 Years.'
Earlier, Elba had won an award for the best supporting actor at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
The event was attended by actress Vanessa Redgrave, actor Stanley Tucci and Tuppence Middleton, and was hosted by comedian Simon Amstell.