London - Cate Blanchett dealt a blow to Oscar-winner Gwyneth Paltrow last night as she took the Best Actress title at the 51st British Academy Film Awards. The Australian star, who played the title role in Elizabeth, saw her movie triumph over Shakespeare in Love to grab five of the BAFTA awards, including Best British Film.
However, Shakespeare in Love, the toast of last month's Oscars, took four trophies including the prized Best Film. The widely-tipped Michael Caine was snubbed for his powerful role in Little Voice, losing the Best Actor title to Italian star Roberto Benigni, who also took the title at the Oscars.
Dame Judi Dench repeated her Oscar win by lifting the Best Supporting Actress trophy, making it two awards at tonight's ceremony for stars portraying Elizabeth I.