Presented by Kate Winslet.

The field for best actor this year stood out as being particularly interesting and diverse. However, despite the wealth of choice presented to our jury, there was one outstanding actor for whom the term 'next big thing' could have been invented. The speed of his rise is such that this already seems out of date. Over the years, he has worked alongside an array of the very best of British film making talent, including Ken Loach, Michael Winterbottom, Antonia Bird, Danny Boyle and Peter Cattaneo. This year's best actor for his roles in Face, Carla's Song and The Full Monty is the fabulous and exceptionally brilliant Robert Carlyle.

Voice over, while Robert comes to the stage:

In 1991, Robert formed his own theatre company Raindog, for who he performs and directs, and to prepare for his role as a bus driver in Carla's Song he took - and passed - his passenger service vehicle license. There's dedication. He's flown back tonight from Prague where he's shooting Plunkett and MacLeane, directed by Jake Scott. This is one busy man.

Robert's (very modest) acceptance speech:

Thank you very much indeed. This award is obviously for three films. There's a lot of people to thank. Ken Loach, Sally Hibben for Carla's Song. Peter Cattaneo and Uberto Pasolini for Full Monty. And a special mention for Antonia Bird for Face. I'd also like to congratulate everyone else - all the other nominees in this category. It's incredibly strong this year. And again, a special mention for my old mate Ray Winstone, who was fantastic in Nil By Mouth. Cheers.

Scenes from the movies:

(1) Carla's Song:

(George is speaking to Carla) Listen - uh - you - you wanted me to be - to be honest with you. And um - (pause) - I have to go back.

(2) Face:

I'm 35 years old, Jason. I was working honest till I was 24. My first touch was like what you had today. And Dave - he told me what I'm telling you now. But I didn't listen. All told, I've done five years inside, and any money I've had, I could have earned double driving a van or a mini cab.

(3)The Full Monty:

Gaz attempts his first 'strip' to "You Sexy Thing" in a dingy garage, watched with bemusement by Lomper and his son Nate.

Afterword by host Jane Asher:

Congratulations to Robert, surely our busiest film actor. Rumour has it that last year, Barry Norman saw more of him than he did of his own wife. Literally, in the case of The Full Monty.

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