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Last Updated: Thursday, 15 February 2007, 12:34 GMT
Arctic Monkeys scoop Brits double
The Arctic Monkeys
The Arctic Monkeys refused to attend the ceremony

The Arctic Monkeys were the big winners at this year's Brit Awards ceremony in London, scooping awards for best British group and best British album.

But the indie band stayed away from the ceremony, instead sending acceptance videos dressed as characters from The Wizard of Oz and The Village People.

Las Vegas band The Killers also took home two awards - best international group and best international album.

Broadcast live for the first time in 17 years, the show attracted 5.3m viewers.

But Arsenal's FA Cup victory over Bolton was more popular, drawing 6.2m people to BBC One.

Other winners at the ceremony included singer-songwriter James Morrison, who won best British male, and soul star Amy Winehouse, who took best British female.

The Killers at the Brit Awards
The Killers won for their second album Sam's Town
The Killers and the Arctic Monkeys were the only acts to pick up more than one award. The Monkeys' success follows their prize for best British breakthrough last year.

That came soon after their debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not became the fastest-selling debut in UK chart history.

But they have snubbed the ceremony both years. In the acceptance video for best British album this year, they said they were "busy rehearsing for the year ahead".

Singer Alex Turner did say it was "a very special award and is much appreciated by us all".

In other categories, Take That's hit Patience triumphed in the Best British single category in the event's first live public vote.

Take That at the Brit Awards

They beat off competition from nominated singles by Snow Patrol, Will Young, Razorlight and The Feeling. It was the reformed boy band's first Brit Award since 1996.

Singer Gary Barlow said: "Thank you everybody. It's amazing. Oh my God, it's unbelievable."

In a heartfelt speech, bandmate Jason Orange added: "The first time Take That happened I cut my dad out of the picture for whatever reason. But he's here tonight. Love you."

US pop star Justin Timberlake picked up best international male, while Canadian star Nelly Furtado won best international female.

But there was nothing for Lily Allen - who had been in the running for four awards - or Corinne Bailey Rae, Snow Patrol or Gnarls Barkley, who all had a string of nominations.

James Morrison with his Brit Award
Singer James Morrison only released his debut album last July
Picking up his trophy for best British male, James Morrison told the crowd: "I really, really didn't expect this. I did try to think of a speech but I didn't want to pre-empt losing.

"I'd just like to say I can't believe I'm here. This one's for every singer-songwriter still playing in pubs."

In a surprise choice, Scottish indie group The Fratellis beat Morrison, Allen, Bailey Rae and The Kooks to be named best British breakthrough act - voted for by BBC Radio 1 listeners.

Rock group Muse won best British live act, voted for by BBC Radio 2 listeners - the second time they have won the award.

The live favourites, who beat the likes of Robbie Williams and George Michael to the prize, are playing two nights at the new Wembley Stadium this summer.

Amy Winehouse at the Brit Awards
Amy Winehouse performed her hit single Rehab at the ceremony
Californian group Orson won the international breakthrough award, voted for by MTV viewers.

And Oasis were honoured with an award for outstanding contribution to music.

Winehouse, Bailey Rae, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snow Patrol and the Scissor Sisters were among the stars who performed on the Earls Court stage.

The event was themed around love and hate, with Oasis performing on the "hate" stage and Take That taking helm on the "love" stage.

The ceremony was broadcast live on TV for the first time since 1989, with comic Russell Brand the host.

It passed off largely without incident, although the sound was dropped on several occasions to obscure swearing.




VIDEO AND AUDIO NEWS
A night of celebrations and stars at the Brit Awards



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