Adele wins BRIT award for Skyfall theme

Adele was not at last night's event to accept the award, but she sent a video message referring to last year's ceremony, when her best album acceptance speech was cut short.

"Thank you so much for this Brit Award, it means a lot. Sorry I can't be with you tonight, I'm in LA rehearsing for the Oscars. I won't keep you too long because I don't want to interrupt the best album speech at the end of the night. But I love you all," Adele said.

Sande won best British female solo artist and British album for her debut album 'Our Version Of Events', while Howard scooped best British male and breakthrough act.

'Our Version Of Events' was the most popular album of 2012 in the UK, selling 1.4 million copies.

Sande, 25, had gone into the event with four nominations in total, including two in the best single category. Her triumph in the best British female category meant there was no posthumous win for Amy Winehouse.

Mumford & Sons was named the best British group, while Coldplay was given the best Live act award.

Boyband One Direction emerged winner in the Brits global success (for international sales in 2012) and Black Keys was handed the best International group trophy.

Frank Ocean and Lana Del Ray were named winners of the best International male and female solo artists respectively.

A special recognition award went to the charity War Child.

The night's performers included Robbie Williams, Muse, Taylor Swift and Justin Timberlake.

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