Gomorrah and Dench win big at European Film Awards

Matteo Garrone's Italian mafia movie 'Gomorrah' swept the board at the European Film Awards in Copenhagen, Denmark - scooping five of the annual event's most prestigious gongs.

The adaptation of Roberto Saviano's bestselling and controversial book was named Europe's Best Film, with Italian moviemaker Garrone accepting the award on behalf of his cast. Garrone was also named Best Director.

Veteran star Judi Dench was honoured for her long-running movie career, and received a rousing reception by fellow guests at the bash on Saturday.

The actress accepted her award from 'Casino Royale' co-star Mads Mikkelsen and was overcome with emotion as she made her speech.

She told the crowd, "I'm completely overwhelmed, thank you for your kindness. It is an incredible thing to receive this award and I'm truly grateful."

Fellow Brit Kristin Scott Thomas claimed the Best European Actress honor for her portrayal of a woman convicted for killing her son in French-language movie 'I've Loved You So Long'.

'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' was named the People's Choice Award winner for Best Film.

Full list of winners:

Best Picture: 'Gomorrah'

Best Director: Matteo Garrone, 'Gomorrah'

Best Actor: Toni Servillo, 'Gomorrah' and 'Il Divo'

Best Actress: Kristin Scott Thomas, 'I've Loved You So Long'

Best Screenplay: 'Gomorrah'

Best Cinematography: 'Gomorrah'

Prix D'excellence: Magdalena Biedrzycka (costume design for 'Katyn')

Best Music Composition: Max Richter, 'Waltz With Bashir'

European Discovery: 'Hunger'

Critics' Award: Abdellatif Kechiche, 'The Secret of the Grain'/'Couscous'

Best Documentary: 'Rene'

Best Short Film: 'Frankie'

Lifetime Achievement Award: Judi Dench

European Achievement In World Cinema: Soren Kragh-Jacobsen, Kristian Levring, Lars Von Trier, Thomas Vinterberg

People's Choice Award: 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'