Critics award for Love Actually scene-stealer

Bill Nighy, who many critics say stole the hit film Love Actually from its star Hugh Grant, was last night named best supporting actor by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.

The 53-year-old British actor was honoured for his roles in the films AKA, I Capture the Castle and Lawless Heart as well as the ageing rocker in Love Actually.

Kent born, but Australian raised, Naomi Watts won the best actress award for her role as a single mother and former drug addict in 21 Grams.

Best actor was Bill Murray who played an ageing and waning film star in Lost in Translation. Best Film was American Splendour, about a comic book artist.

Peter Jackson won best director honours for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

The awards are seen as a pointer to the Oscars.