Tom Cruise poses for photographers with his Screen Icon award at the National Movie Awards at the Royal Festival Hall in London on Wednesday.

The actor was presented with the award by Gwyneth Paltrow.

'It's a real honour for me to be here tonight. This great city of London. This great country England. I've made several films here. I have been fortunate,' the Telegraph.co.uk quoted the actor as saying.

Cruise added, 'I guess as a film maker the most important thing to me is you. If I have entertained you at all, I thank you. Thank you for allowing me to do so.'

Cruise came with wife Katie Holmes. Their four-year-old daughter Suri sat this one out.

The winners are chosen by viewers' votes. The first trophy of the evening went to Sherlock Holmes starring Robert Downey Junior. Director Guy Ritchie collected the award.

The other films shortlisted were Shutter Island, Inglourious Basterds, Kick-Ass and 2012.

Harry Potter too won a trophy -- the family film trophy, which was presented by Orlando Bloom.

Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson were on hand to accept the award.

'It's fantastic for us, six films in with two more to go, to still be getting this kind of recognition,' Radcliffe said in his acceptance speech. He also apologised for the absence of his co-star Rupert Grint due to sickness.

Watson also said a few word of thanks. 'This is such an incredible honour. It's so wonderful that you still love these films. We still love making them.'

Another movie that won big was The Twilight Saga: New Moon. The saga won the most anticipated summer movie award and a best performance award for its main lead, Robert Pattinson.

The actor couldn't make it to the event but sent his thanks through a video clip. 'It means a lot to me because you the fans decided the winner. Thanks for voting for me,' he said.

The award for breakthrough movie went to The Time Traveler's Wife which beat off competition from Coco Before Chanel, Harry Brown, Nativity!, Paranormal Activity and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.