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Nicole Kidman, James McAvoy and Gemma Arterton lead the winners at London's Evening Standard Theatre Awards

Published: 19:40 EST, 22 November 2015 | Updated: 06:38 EST, 23 November 2015

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She has already won acclaim for her return to the West End.

But Nicole Kidman's triumphant London stage revival was solidified at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards on Sunday.

She joined James McAvoy and Gemma Arteron in leading the way at the annual event, which celebrates the best performance talent.

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Success! Nicole Kidman's triumphant London stage revival was solidified at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards on Sunday - when she was bestowed with the Best Actress award

Kidman won the award for Best Actress for her performance as scientist Rosalind Franklin in Photograph 51.

Speaking before the ceremony, she said: 'I kind of jumped into it without realising how much I was taking on so halfway through the rehearsals I got real stage fright. To be standing here today is extraordinary and I am so so glad that I did it.

'I did it for my father, who was a scientist - he has been orbiting around this whole thing - and also for Rosalind, who was not recognised in her lifetime. That has been very very important to me.'

Kidman won the award for Best Actress for her performance as scientist Rosalind Franklin in Photograph 51

In good company: Jeremy Irons posed in front of the Winners Boards with a delighted Nicole

Proud: The Australian actress posed up a storm with her gong at London's Old Vic

Meanwhile, McAvoy was named Best Actor for his role in The Ruling Class.

McAvoy was presented his award by Gillian Anderson, who was clad in a skin-tight red dress, and beat competition from Simon Russell Beale for his performance in Temple, Kenneth Cranham for The Father and Ralph Fiennes for Man And Superman.

There was also a performance from Pixie Lott, who sung Moon River from the forthcoming production of Breakfast At Tiffany's.

Boy power: Acclaimed actor McAvoy was named Best Actor for his role in The Ruling Class

Congrats! Gillian Anderson presented the Scottish actor with the coveted award on Sunday

Dapper dude: The handsome screen star was dressed to impress in his three-piece suit

Gemma Arterton and Vanessa Redgrave were among the other winners at the ceremony, which was co-hosted by Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen.

Gemma won the Newcomer in a Musical Award for her musical debut in Made In Dagenham, while Redgrave received the Editor's Award, which was presented to her by Fiennes and her daughter Joely Richardson.

Arterton said: 'I do not win things usually so I do not really know what to say.'

Pretty in pink: Gemma Arterton and Vanessa Redgrave were among the other winners at the ceremony, which was co-hosted by Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen

Winner: Gemma Arterton won the Newcomer in a Musical award for her role in Made In Dagenham

Dame Judi, who is currently starring alongside Sir Kenneth Branagh in The Winter's Tale at the Garrick Theatre, said: "'hese awards are very important. I think our country is wonderful and theatre particularly, and it is lovely that these things happen.'

Sir Ian, who has been in Los Angeles on the campaign trail for his new film, Mr Holmes, said: 'This is a celebration and it is lovely. In fact, every night of the year is a celebration of theatre when the crowds come out.'

Imelda Staunton received a standing ovation after she won Best Musical Performance for Gypsy and performed the song Everything's Coming Up Roses from the musical.

In good company: Gemma Arterton, winner of the Newcomer in a Musical award, poses with presenters Jeremy Irvine and Gemma Chan

Standing ovation: Imelda Staunton won plaudits - and brought the audience to their feet - with her role in Gypsy

Meanwhile, Rob Brydon braved the cold to present the ceremony itself, alongside co-host Evgeny Lebedev, the owner of the Evening Standard.

Brydon said: 'These awards get a lot of coverage and you need to blow the trumpet so people get to know about it. These things need to be pushed so people know what is on and that they can go out and see it.'

Other global stars included Kate Beckinsale and Salma Hayek, who wore an open-collared white dress and presented the Beyond Theatre award to Sarah Burton, the creative director of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty.

Imelda Staunton (L), winner of the Best Musical Performance award, and presenter Dame Shirley Bassey

Family affair: Vanessa Redgrave (L), winner of the Editor's Award in partnership with The Ivy, poses in front of the Winners Boards with daughter Joely Richardson

Blonde ambition: Pixie Lott performed a rendition of Moon River from Breakfast At Tiffany's

The award for Best Play went to The Motherf**ker With The Hat by Stephen Adly Guirgis, and Robert Icke won Best Director for Oresteia.

The Emerging Talent award was won by David Moorst for his role in Violence And Son, while Molly Davies received the Most Promising Playwright award for God Bless The Child.

Completing the event, the Lebedev Award was presented by Dame Judi and Sir Ian to multi-award winning musician Stephen Sondheim, who turned 85 this year.

The awards were in partnership with West End restaurant The Ivy.

Its director, Fernando Peire, said before the event: "We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with this unrivalled and important awards ceremony to recognise the outstanding talent London has to offer, both from the stage and behind the curtain."