Iran-hostage drama Argo continued its journey from awards-season outsider to favorite Sunday, winning three prizes, including best-picture, at the British Academy Film Awards.

Ben Affleck was named best director for the based-on-reality story of a longshot plan to rescue a group of American diplomats from Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and the film also took the editing trophy.

Affleck, who has made a remarkable journey from little-regarded actor to award-winning director, dedicated his directing prize to "anyone out there who's trying to get their second act."

George Clooney, a producer of Argo, quipped: "I don't know what you're going to do for a third act."

In picture: American actor and director Ben Affleck with the award for Best Film for Argo.

Text and images: AP