Ben Affleck's Iran-hostage drama Argo continued its award season triumph by winning three trophies, including the best picture and director, at the British Academy Film Awards while Ang Lee's India-set drama Life of Pi managed two trophies in technical categories.

The BAFTA win has bettered Argo's chances at the Oscars on February 24.

Inspired by real-life events in 1979 of CIA's attempt to free six diplomats while posing as a film crew, the film has steadily climbed its way to the top this award season by winning trophies at the Golden Globes, the Producers Guild and the Directors Guild of America awards.

Argo beat Les Miserables, Life Of Pi, Lincoln and Zero Dark Thirty to be named the best film.

Affleck, who was famously snubbed at the Oscars in the best directing nominations, was named best director at the BAFTAs and his film also took the editing trophy. He was pitted against Michael Haneke (Amour), Quentin Tarantino (Django Unchained), Ang Lee (Life Of Pi) and Kathryn Bigelow (Zero Dark Thirty).

The actor-director dedicated his directing prize for "anyone out there who's trying to get their second act."

The best actor win by Daniel Day-Lewis for his brilliant turn as 16th US President Abraham Lincoln in Lincoln was predictable. It was the only prize out of 10 nominations for a Steven Spielberg directed movie.

Emmanuelle Riva, the 85-year-old French actress, was named best actress for Michael Haneke's old-age drama Amour, which also was named best foreign-language film.

Life of Pi won trophies in best cinematography and special visual effects categories out of its nine nominations.

Tom Hooper directed musical Les Miserables won four prizes, including an expected best supporting actress trophy for Anne Hathaway.