The fifth annual Richard Attenborough Film Awards took place in London, UK last night and it was quite an occasion!

The Social Network was named film of the year, with Colin Firth (The King’s Speech) and Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) picking up the awards for actor and actress of the year, respectively.

The full press release is embedded below:

13 December 2010 — – UK regional critics today announce their Film of the year, as a highlight of the fifth annual Richard Attenborough Film Awards (RAFA’s). The prestigious accolade goes to The Social Network, which also wins Screenwriter of the year for Aaron Sorkin.

The RAFA’s – the UK’s regional film awards – comprise fourteen categories. Seven are exclusively for UK regional film critics, while a further seven are decided by public votes. In recognition of their achievement, each winner will receive a RAFA award, remodelled for 2010 and engraved with Lord Attenborough’s signature.

Voting in the seven categories for regional critics took place online between 15 November and 6 December 2010. The voting constituency was staff and freelance arts and entertainment writers, critics and editors in all branches of UK regional media.

UK Regional Critics’ Vote Winners:

Film of the year

– The Social Network.

Filmmaker of the year

– Christopher Nolan (Inception).

Screenwriter of the year

– Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network).

Actor of the year

– Colin Firth (The King’s Speech).

Actress of the year

– Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Rising star of the year

– Chloe Moretz (Kick-Ass, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Let Me In)

Legend of the year

– Sir Michael Caine CBE.

Meanwhile, the seven people’s choice awards are detailed below. Toy Story 3 picked up three RAFA’s, while Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 was awarded with the British film of the year award.

UK Public Vote Winners:

British film of the year – in association with The Alan Titchmarsh Show (ITV)

– Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.

Film star of 2010 – in association with Newsquest Group

– Angelina Jolie (Salt and The Tourist).

Animated film of the year – in association with HMV

– Toy Story 3.

Breakthrough star of the year – in association with HMV

– Chloe Moretz (Kick-Ass, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Let Me In).

3D film of the year – in association with Cineworld

– Toy Story 3.

Top film character of the year – in association with MoviePreviewGuide.com

– Edward Cullen (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse).

Family film of the year – in association with The Birmingham Mail

– Toy Story 3.

Lord Attenborough, the curator of the ceremony, was quoted as saying:

“The last year has shown the cinema to be both resilient and innovative, with large audiences eager to enjoy the unique theatrical experience. It has also brought a superb crop of terrific films with compelling performances from both experience and fresh talents. I offer my warmest congratulations to this admirable set of winners.”