Slumdog Millionaire took the Bafta awards by storm yesterday, winning an incredible seven awards, including Best Film.

The results were not unexpected, however it was a surprise the British/Indian film managed to soundly beat the critically acclaimed The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, starring Brad Pitt.

Slumdog Millionaire was named Best Film and took home six other awards for Best Director, Adapted Screenplay, Music, Cinematography, Editing and Sound.

Both Dev Patel and Freida Pinto have become global stars on the back of the film and will now look forward to the upcoming Academy Awards.

At the red carpet yesterday, Dev Patel said: “I’m so excited to be here, it so surreal.” He added: “I’m 18, the film has done so well, it’s just so great to be here.”

Slumdog Millionaire was also named Best Adapted Screenplay at the Writers Guild of America awards earlier yesterday. The Producers Guild of America named it Best Movie and the Screen Actors Guild named the Best Ensemble Cast.

The film is now almost certain to win some awards at the Oscars, where it has received numerous nominations.

Slumdog Millionaire had been nominated 11 times at the Baftas, the same as Brad Pitt’s film, in which he lives his life in reverse.

Dev Patel’s earlier claim to fame was a part in the television drama Skins.

Main awards
Best Film: Slumdog Millionaire
Leading Actor: Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler
Leading Actress: Kate Winslet, The Reader
Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Supporting Actress: Penélope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Outstanding British Film: Man on Wire, Simon Chinn/James Marsh
Director: Slumdog Millionaire, Danny Boyle
Original Screenplay: In Bruges, Martin McDonagh
Adapted Screenplay: Slumdog Millionaire, Simon Beaufoy
Animated Film: Wall-E, Andrew Stanton
Music: Slumdog Millionaire, A. R. Rahman
Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire, Anthony Dod Mantle
Academy Fellowship: Terry Gilliam
Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema: Pinewood Studios/ Shepperton Studios