‘Argo’ named best film at Britain’s Oscars

Grant Heslov (center), Ben Affleck (right) and George Clooney pose with the Best Film award for their film Argo during the annual BAFTA British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House in London on February 10, 2013. AFP/CARL COURT

LONDON—Iran-hostage drama “Argo” has been named best picture at the British Academy Film Awards.

The crowd-pleasing movie won three prizes, including best director for Ben Affleck.

Epic musical “Les Miserables” took four trophies.

Daniel Day-Lewis won the best-actor prize Sunday for “Lincoln,” and Emmanuelle Riva, the 85-year-old French film legend, was named best actress for “Amour.”

The directing win gives Affleck’s movie more momentum heading into the Hollywood Oscars on Feb. 24.