congratulation drama Boyhood has added to its haul of film awards by winning the top prize from the London Critics' Circle.

It was named film of the year, while Richard Linklater won best director and Patricia Arquette best supporting actress.

Linklater, who shot it over 12 years, said: "It's been called an experiment, but it was a leap of faith."

The awards took place at The May Fair Hotel on Sunday night.

The other big success story of the night was Scottish-set sci-fi shocker Under the Skin.

Director Jonathan Glazer collected the award for British film of year and composer Mica Levi accepted the technical achievement award for her creepy score.

Shot around Glasgow, the film stars Scarlett Johansson as a beautiful alien who seduces random humans to harvest their bodies. It is also nominated for best British film at the Baftas next month.

Actress Miranda Richardson picked up a lifetime achievement accolade, the Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film, which was presented by Hunger Games star Stanley Tucci.