Emeli Sandé has won the coveted 'Mastercard British Album of the Year' award at the BRITs tonight (February 20).

The 'Clown' hitmaker scooped the award after triumphing in the 'Best Female Solo Artist' category earlier in the night.

Sandé beat off competition from Mumford & Sons' 'Babel', Plan B's 'Ill Manors', Alt-J 'An Awesome Wave' and Paloma Faith's 'Fall To Grace.'

Taking to the stage to accept the award from Bryan Ferry, Sandé remained humble about her success: "Wow. This is an album I wrote because I didn't have the confidence to say these things in person. It makes me feel incredible and doesn't make me feel as lonely.

She added: "Thank you to everybody who has bought this record. This is a dream really. Thank you for this year, and thank you for this award. I'm so grateful."

Sandé closed the night with a medley of her hits, including 'Clown' and 'Next To Me.'

Meanwhile, One Direction picked up the 'Global Success Award'.

The five piece - Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Liam Payne - made their way to the stage amongst rapturous applause.

Tomlinson said: "This really is mind blowing. Our fans have just been unbelievable and we wouldn't be here without them so thank you so much."

Earlier in the night, Frank Ocean was award 'Best International Male Solo Artist' leaving fellow nominees Jack White, Gotye, Michael Buble and Bruce Springsteen in the shade.

Taking to the stage, Ocean gushed about receiving the award, showing his gratitude to British artist Damien Hirst for the colourful statue: "Thank you guys for this. And thank you Damien Hirst for the polka dots."