Ian McKellen, Jude Law et al. Win Jameson Empire Awards

The U.K.'s Independent reports today that Sir Ian McKellen has been honored with the Empire Icon Award for his work on screen at the 2010 Jameson Empire Awards. Said McKellen on his win: "I couldn't be more surprised or delighted. Middle-earth rejoices!" Also honored at the ceremony was Jude Law with the Empire Hero Award for his role of Dr. Watson in Sherlock Holmes.

The Empire Awards, sponsored by Jameson Whiskey, are voted on entirely by film fans and readers of Empire Magazine. For a complete list of winners and additional information, visit www.empireonline.com.

Sir Ian McKellen has appeared on Broadway in Dance of Death, Ian McKellen: A Knight Out at the Lyceum, Wild Honey, Ian KcKennel: Acting Shakespeare, Amadeus, and The Promise. Long known as a Shakespearean actor with the U.K.'s National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company, amongst other high profile establishments. He has appeared in over 250 productions, garnering multiple Tony and Olivier Awards. In 1979 he was awarded the Commander of the British Empire for his services to drama. He has recently attracted wider fame and attention for his portrayal as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and as well as for his role as Magneto in the popular X-Men films. McKellen is currently reprising his role of Estragon in the West End's Haymarket Theatre's production of 'Waiting for Godot' directed by Sean Mathias. The show will officially open on January 21 and run until 3rd April 2010, and will also star Roger Rees.

Jude Law was most recently played Broadway in the Donmar Warehouse's production of Hamlet last fall. This production marked Jude Law's return to Broadway for the first time since 1995 when he made his Tony Award-nominated debut in Jean Cocteau's Indiscretions (Les Parents Terribles). Other theatre credits include Les Parents Terribles (National Theatre), Dr. Faustus, 'Tis Pity She's a Whore (Young Vic) and Death of a Salesman (West Yorkshire Playhouse). Past films include The Talented Mr Ripley (BAFTA Film Award), Wilde (Evening Standard British Film Award), Cold Mountain, Road to Perdition, Closer, Alfie, The Aviator and Sleuth, among others.