Cats & Dogs

The mascara was running before the winners had even been announced at tonight's Orange British Academy Film Awards as guests arrived amid a torrential downpour. Designer gowns and immaculate coiffeurs were left sodden and dishevelled as the British weather showed no mercy on the starry line-up present for the night's proceedings. Nicole Kidman, Halle Berry, Audrey Tautou, Sissy Spacek, Toni Collette, Renee Zellweger, Helena Bonham Carter and many other stunning starlets huddled against the biting wind and were ushered quickly undercover as hastily gathered umbrellas were held over their heads. The once luscious red carpet was soon reduced to a crimson paddling pool with famous feet left sloshing towards the entrance to the Odeon Leicester Square. The hundreds of fans who had gathered despite the cloudburst were not left too disappointed however, as even the most waterlogged stars managed a few hellos and stopped to sign an autograph or two for their dedicated and half-drowned admirers. "It's really nice to be acknowledged," trilled a beaming Nicole Kidman who managed to look typically radiant despite the adverse conditions. Moulin Rouge director Baz Luhrmann was likewise immune to the weather as he enthused about the event, "It's fantastic to be a part of it." Sir Ian McKellen, Peter Jackson, Billy Boyd, Orlando Bloom and Dominic Monaghan were out supporting The Lord of The Rings and prompted some of the warmest welcomes as Tolkien lovers screamed their praises. "I'm thrilled to be invited," said Sir Ian, "I've never been invited to the BAFTAs before." Judi Dench arrived on the arm of her Shipping News co-star Kevin Spacey, while fellow Iris stars and BAFTA nominees Kate Winslet, Jim Broadbent and Hugh Bonneville also turned out to see what the night had in store for them. Spacey, however, insisted that it was less the winning than the actual taking part that counted. "Those of us who actually do the work don't look at it as a horse race," he explained. Ron Howard headed the A Beautiful Mind contingent, joinied by Jennifer Connolly, Paul Bettany and, of course, Russell Crowe who sported a rain-friendly shaggy look in place of the immaculately coiffed hair that crowned him at last year's Oscars. Warren Beatty drew cheers when he arrived to accept his BAFTA fellowship but it was surprise guest Dustin Hoffman who provoked the loudest catcalls as the crowd chanting his name caused the actor to rush back out into the rain and take a few bows for the saturated spectators. Keep an eye out for a full report from the ceremony and list of winners as soon as they're announced.