Riva wins best actress at Baftas

FRENCH actress Emmanuelle Riva was the surprise winner of the best actress prize at the Bafta awards in London.

The 85-year-old star of Michael Haneke's Palme d'Or-winning Amour beat bookies' favourite Jennifer Lawrence to the title last night, as well as fellow French actress Marion Cotillard, who was nominated for her role in Rust and Bone.

Amour tells the story of a retired music teacher, played by Riva, whose partner suffers a series of strokes which trigger dementia and physical disability that puts their relationship to the test.

The actress is also in the running for the best actress award at the Oscars, which take place on February 24.