Posted: Wed., Feb. 5, 2003, 6:14am PT

Frears wins Brit directing kudos

'Dirty' cleans up at Evening Standard awards

By

LONDON -- Stephen Frear's "Dirty Pretty Things," an arresting portrayal of the plight of illegal immigrants in 21st century London, scooped the best film award at the 30th Evening Standard British Film Awards, Feb. 2, and rising star Chiwetal Ejiofor won best actor.

Ejiofor was especially delighted with his award as he was overlooked in last week's BAFTA nominations. The Evening Standard awards are dedicated solely to Brit talent working at home and abroad.

The star-studded ceremony at the Savoy hotel was attended by thesps Roger Moore, Hugh Grant, Dougray Scott, John Hurt, Gillian Anderson and Gina McKee and helmers Mike Leigh and Terry Gilliam.

And the winners are...

Best film: "Dirty Pretty Things" directed by Stephen Frears

Best actor: Chiwetel Ejiofor (for "Dirty Pretty Things")

Best actress: Catherine Zeta-Jones (for "Chicago")

Best screenplay: Tom Hunsinger and Neil Hunter (for "The Lawless Heart")

Peter Sellers award for comedy: "Lost In La Mancha"

Carlton award for best newcomer: Asif Kapadia (for directing "The Warrior")

Best technical achievement: Eve Stewart (for production design of "All Or Nothing")

Special award: Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson for 40 years of "James Bond"