Brokeback Mountain wins big at the Baftas

Gay cowboy drama 'Brokeback Mountain' has continued its tremendous run of awards success, winning four prestigious awards at the Baftas.

British hopes were dashed as Ang Lee's much-acclaimed film picked up awards for best film, best director, best adapted screenplay and best supporting actor for one of its stars, Jake Gyllenhaal.

Britain's leading hope, 'The Constant Gardener' only won one award - for best film editing - despite being nominated for ten awards.

The movie, an adaptation of John Le Carre's political thriller, also lost out in the main acting awards. Rachel Weisz, who had been widely tipped to win the best actress award following wins at both the Golden Globes and the Screen Actor's Guild awards, lost out to Reese Witherspoon who collected the award for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in the Johnny Cash biopic 'Walk The Line'.

Her co-star, Ralph Fiennes, lost out in the best actor category to American actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who won the award for his performance as writer Truman Capote in the movie 'Capote'.

However, there was at least one triumph for the British contingent, as Thandie Newton collected the best supporting actress award for her performance in Paul Haggis' racial drama 'Crash'.

In the British-only awards, Joe Wright collected the prize for best first-time British director, for his adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel 'Pride and Prejudice'. There was also joy for British animator Nick Park, who won the award for Outstanding British Film for 'Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit'.

However, there was also disappointment for George Clooney, who went home empty-handed, despite being nominated for two supporting roles for his performances in 'Good Night and Good Luck' and 'Syriana', as well as best director and best original screenplay for 'Good Night and Good Luck'.

'Brokeback Mountain' now looks almost certain to be the favourite at this year's Academy Awards, which will take place on March 5.

(KMcA)