'The Revenant' sweeps the board at Britain's Baftas

Epic survival tale "The Revenant" took top honours including best film on Sunday at Britain's Bafta film awards, boosting its status as a favourite for Oscar success later this month.

Mexico's Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu scooped best director for the picture, and Leonardo DiCaprio won best actor for his leading role as grizzled trapper Hugh Glass.

"I am overwhelmed," said Inarritu as he accepted the award.

"I'm shocked and amazed, honoured. To tell you the truth none of this was expected," DiCaprio said. "We're so proud of what we've accomplished."

The movie is in leading position for the Oscars, with 12 nominations for the February 28 ceremony.

It won out for best film over Todd Haynes' 1950s all-female romance "Carol", Steven Spielberg's Cold War thriller "Bridge of spies", Tom McCarthy's newsroom drama "Spotlight" and Adam McKay's financial caper "The Big Short".

Other winners on the night included Brie Larson, who picked up best actress for her role in the harrowing kidnapping tale "Room".

Meanwhile George Miller's visually stunning post-apocalyptic action film "Mad Max: Fury Road" cleaned up with four technical awards, including for the scrappy-punk costumes of its warring tribes.

Here are the winners in the main categories:

Best film: "The Revenant"

Outstanding British film: "Brooklyn"

Best director: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu

Leading actor: Leonardo DiCaprio for "The Revenant"

Leading actress: Brie Larson for "Room"

Supporting actor: Mark Rylance for "Bridge of Spies"

Supporting actress: Kate Winslet for "Steve Jobs"