BILLY Elliot, the North-East film hotly tipped for an Oscar, has failed to impress European movie buffs.

The tale of a youngster who defies his pit village upbringing to succeed as a dancer, in which the title role is played by Stockton teenager Jamie Bell, was overlooked in the European Film Awards.

Both the 14-year-old and his co-star Julie Walters had been nominated for best actor awards in the Paris ceremony, which took place on Saturday night.

It marked the first test for the film, which has won widespread critical acclaim and prompted speculation of an Oscar for its young star.

But Jamie, who is starring alongside Robson Green in the television legal drama Close and True, has always maintained that the only Oscar he is interested in is his pet dog.

Nevertheless, he rubbed shoulders with fellow stars at Saturday night's ceremony.

Singer Bjork was named best actress for her performance in the Icelandic movie Dancer in the Dark, which was also named best film.

British nominee, animator Nick Park, whose first feature film, Chicken Run, was up for the best film award, came away empty-handed.