The BAFTAs are Britain’s top movie honours and the most prestigious industry awards outside of the United States. 'The Artist” cleaned up yet again and  at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards, the black and white film won for best film, director and leading actor.

Meryl Streep picked up the Best Actress prize for her role as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 'The Iron Lady', and upon going on to pick up her award from Colin Firth, she accidentally slipped out of her Jimmy Choo shoe. 
Finally arriving at the podium, she joked, "That couldn't be any worse!"
Octavia Spencer won Best Supporting Actress for the role of maid Minnie in 'The Help', and speaking backstage afterwards she admitted she was overawed with the attention she had been getting since starring in the film.
She told BANG Showbiz, "I never dreamed this could happen. It really is an emotional moment. I don't cry pretty! The attention is overwhelming. I like to fly under the radar and not wear so much make-up or pantyhose and shoes. So I could do with a little less attention!"

Spy thriller 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' was named outstanding British film while co-writers Peter Straughan and his late wife, Bridget O'Connor won best adapted screenplay, to whom Peter gave a heart-warming tribute.

Check out the full list of winners at Britain's night of nights!

Picture: The Artist

Actor: Jean Dujardin - The Artist

Actress: Meryl Streep - The Iron Lady

Director: Michel Hazanavicius - The Artist

Supporting actress: Octavia Spencer - The Help

Supporting actor: Christopher Plummer - Beginners

Animated film: Rango

Documentary: Senna

Outstanding British Film: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Film not in the English language: The Skin I Live In

Outstanding Debut: Tyrannosaur

Adapted Screenplay: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy - Bridget O'Connor and Peter Straughan

Original Screenplay: The Artist - Michel Hazanavicius

Production Design: Hugo - Dante Ferretti and Francesca Lo Schiavo

Cinematography: The Artist - Guillaume Schiffman

Makeup and hair: The Iron Lady - Mark Coulier, J. Roy Helland, Marese Langan

Costume design: The Artist - Mark Bridges

Editing: Senna - Gregers Sall and Chris King

Sound: Hugo - Philip Stockton, Eugene Gearty, Tom Fleischman, John Midgley

Original Score: The Artist - Ludovic Bource

Rising star award: Adam Deacon

Academy Fellowship: Martin Scorsese

Outstanding Contribution to British Cinema: John Hurt

Special Visual Effects: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 - Tim Burke, John Richardson, Greg Butler and David Vickery

Check out our 2012 BAFTA Gallery for all the stunning fashion from the red carpet.