Colin Firth has won the BAFTA for Best Actor for his performance as a stammering King George VI in The King's Speech.

The low-budget, independent British historical drama swept the board at the British Academy Film Awards, scooping seven gold masks, including most of the major acting prizes.

Firth accepted his award with characteristic grace and humility.

"I'd like to thank...my majestic mum and dad and [wife] Livia who deals with everything from kings to dancing queens", the 50-year-old Oscar favourite told the BAFTA audience.

Helena Bonham-Carter and Geoffrey Rush both won in the Supporting categories, as The King's Speech romped home to win Outstanding British Film, and ultimately Best Picture of the year.

Elsewhere, The Social Network and Black Swan both picked up three awards, while the British star of Inception Tom Hardy won the Orange Rising Star Award, the only prize judged by public vote.