'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri' was the big winner at the BAFTAs in London on Sunday night (18.02.18)

McDonagh - who also wrote the movie - made reference to the Time's Up movement during his acceptance speech, saying: "Our film is a hopeful one in lots of ways but it's also an angry one, and as we've seen this year, sometimes anger is the only way to get people to listen and to change, so we're thrilled that BAFTA has recognised this."

The Time's Up campaign was started in the wake of the Hollywood sex scandal, which erupted in 2017.

And McDonagh - whose award-winning movie centres on a mother who rents three billboards to bring attention to her daughter's unsolved murder

- revealed that one of his ambitions is to "write strong female parts".

He added: "That's what we done with this film with Frances [McDormand] and I'm pleased this performance is out this year, its a great statement for Me Too and Time's Up and we're proud of that aspect and having our part."

Meanwhile, Rockwell paid tribute to the director for the role he created for him.

The actor said: "This is one of the greatest parts I've ever had and comparable to what I've done on stage. Martin made this part for me."

Elsewhere, 'The Shape of Water' won three BAFTAs on the night, including Best Director for Guillermo Del Toro.

During his acceptance speech, the moviemaker paid tribute to Mary Shelley, a major figure in British literary history.

He said: "The most important figure from English legacy for me is a teenager by the name of Mary Shelley.

"She has remained a figure as important in my life as if it was family. And so many times, when I think about giving up, when people tell me the movies I'm dreaming of are impossible, I think of her."

Meanwhile, 'Darkest Hour' won two gongs, including Best Leading Actor for London-born star Gary Oldman.

In his speech, Oldman paid tribute to the man he played in the movie, Sir Winston Churchill.

He explained: "In those dark, uncertain days in 1940, he held the line for honour, for integrity and freedom for his nation and the world, so I thank you Sir Winston."

The final award of the ceremony - which was presented by Joanna Lumley

- went to veteran filmmaker Sir Ridley Scott, who was given the BAFTA Fellowship.

On receiving the accolade, the legendary director joked: "I wonder if the real reason behind the award is 'better give him something before it's too late."

2018 BAFTA winners:

Best Film:

'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri'

Outstanding British Film:

'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri'

Bast Director:

'The Shape Of Water' - Guillermo Del Toro

Leading Actress:

Frances McDormand - 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri'

Leading Actor:

Gary Oldman - 'Darkest Hour'

Supporting Actress:

Allison Janney - 'I, Tonya'

Supporting Actor:

Sam Rockwell - 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri'

EE Rising Star Award:

Daniel Kaluuya

Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer:

'I Am Not A Witch'

Film Not in the English Language:

'The Handmaiden'

Documentary:

'I Am Not Your Negro'

Animated Film:

'Coco'

Original Screenplay:

'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri'

Adapted Screenplay:

'Call Me By Your Name'

Original Music:

'The Shape Of Water' - Alexandre Desplat

Cinematography:

'Blade Runner 2049' - Roger Deakins

Editing:

'Baby Driver' - Jonathan Amos, Paul Machliss

Production Design:

'The Shape Of Water' - Paul Austerberry, Jeff Melvin, Shane Vieau

Costume Design:

'Phantom Thread' - Mark Bridges

Make-up and Hair:

'Darkest Hour' - David Malinowski, Ivana Primorac, Lucy Sibbick, Kazuhiro Tsuji

Sound:

'Dunkirk' - Richard King, Gregg Landaker, Gary A. Rizzo, Mark Weingarten

Special Visual Effects:

'Blade Runner 2049' - Gerd Nefzer, John Nelson

British Short Animation:

'Poles Apart'