Gary Oldman receives 1st acting prize in 20 years at critics awards

London, Feb 3 (ANI): Gary Oldman has won his first acting award in more than two decades for his role in 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' through public vote at a critics awards.

The 53-year-old actor was voted best British film star in a public vote at the annual Richard Attenborough Regional Film Awards.

"This is the first prize for acting in a specific performance that I've received in over 20 years and that makes it all the more special," the BBC quoted the actor as saying in a statement.

'Tinker Tailor' was also named British film of the year.

Oldman, who plays spymaster George Smiley, received his first ever Oscar nomination last week and is up for best actor at the Baftas.

In the critics' categories, the winners were:

Film of the year: The Artist (previously announced)

Filmmaker: Michel Hazanavicius - director, The Artist

Screenwriter: Bridget O'Connor and Peter Straughan - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Actor: Michael Fassbender - Shame

Actress: Meryl Streep - The Iron Lady

Rising star: Tom Hiddleston - War Horse, Thor, The Deep Blue Sea, Midnight in Paris

UK public votes included:

British film of the year: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Animated film: Arthur Christmas

Family film: The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn

British film star: Gary Oldman - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Film star: Robert Pattinson - The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

Film Blog: CineVue

Most anticipated film of 2012: The Dark Knight Rises (ANI)