Star-Studded Celebration

The stars came out in force tonight (19 February) for the Empire Awards 2001, and Empire Online was on hand to bring you all the latest news and gossip. Celebrities began to arrive at London's glamourous Dorchester Hotel at 7.00pm. Among the first to arrive were Snatch stars Lenny James, Alan Ford and Tyrone. Hopeful nominees included Billy Elliot star Jamie Bell and his director Stephen Daldry, Gladiator star Connie Nielsen, and Vinnie Jones. Also in attendance were Minnie Driver and her High Heels And Low Lifes co-star Mary McCormack. Mary described Minnie, saying "She's easy on the eye, she's funny, she's smart and her drug problem's not out of whack... I'm kidding". Minnie said of the Empire Awards "It's the more low-key version of the BAFTAs. The people get to vote, and that's great. It's more youthful." Jason Isaacs (The Patriot), Adam Garcia (Coyote Ugly), boxer Audley Harrison and footballer David Seaman were also among the guests. The ceremony begins at 8.00pm and we will bring you the winners as soon as they are announced.