In a warm-up to the Oscars that took place in London this weekend, "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" won five of the top prizes, including Best Picture, at the British Academy Film Awards. "It is thrilling the movie has been so well received by audiences around the world," said Sir Ian McKellen, 63, who plays wise old Gandalf the Wizard in the fantasy based on the J.R.R. Tolkien epic novel. "Rings" won its other awards for direction (Peter Jackson), special effects and make-up and hair. The public also chose the film as the best of the year, reports Reuters. Its chief competitor going into the ceremony Sunday night was the musical "Moulin Rouge," which ended up with three awards, for Jim Broadbent's Supporting Actor role as host of the nightclub and for best music and best sound. Winner for Best Actor, Russell Crowe, 37, for "A Beautiful Mind," was surprised by his win. "I love my job, and I don't think I do it that well -- but keep on disagreeing with me," he said afterwards, as reported by Reuters. His costar, Jennifer Connelly, 31, verged on tears when she won as Best Supporting Actress. "I am kind of flabbergasted," she said, according to Reuters. "Iris" Best Actress winner Judi Dench, 67, revealed during her acceptance speech that she had jokingly bet her agent one million pounds (about $1.4 million U.S.) before the ceremony that she would not win the award. "So I was very shocked," she said, as reported by Reuters.