Oasis are best of the Brits

Oasis swept the board at last night's Brit pop awards, winning Best Video, Best British Album and Best British Group.

The Mancunians beat their rivals Blur and Pulp - neither of whom won awards - with honours going to their quadruple platinum album (What's The Story) Morning Glory and the video for the hit single "Wonderwall".

A special one-off award, "Artist of a Generation", went to Michael Jackson, who made his first British television appearance since 1979. Jackson, who only two years ago was dogged by child-abuse allegations, mimed his way through his Christmas No 1 hit, "Earth Song", accompanied on stage by several children.

Sir Bob Geldof, who presented the awards, said last night: "His personal eccentricities are probably the stuff of universal bar-room and supermarket conversations but even those people who talk about him go home and listen to the music. It's the songs for which he will be remembered."

Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher's acceptance speech was less gracious. Picking up the Best Video award, he said: "All I'd like to say is, I'm extremely rich and you're not." In a reference to the INXS singer Michael Hutchence, who presented the band's awards, Gallagher said: "Hasbeens shouldn't present awards to gonnabes."

Other awards went to Supergrass for Best British Newcomers, Alanis Morrissette for Best International Newcomer, Scottish singer Annie Lennox for Best British Female and Best British Male to Paul Weller.

Take That, who announced plans to split last week, performed for the last time on British television with their new single "How Deep Is Your Love". They won the Best Single award for "Back For Good".

David Bowie, who performed with the Pet Shop Boys, received a special award for his outstanding contribution to British music from Labour leader Tony Blair. Brian Eno was Best British Producer and Massive Attack were Best British Dance Act.

In the International award categories, Best Group were Bon Jovi, Best Female was Bjork and Best Male was the artist formerly known as Prince.

Top awards

Best British group Oasis

Best international group

Bon Jovi

British male artist

Paul Weller

International male artist

Prince

British female artist

Annie Lennox

International female artist

Bjork