Hilary Swank & Carey Mulligan - 2009 Hollywood Awards

Hilary Swank and Carey Mulligan are beautiful in black gowns at the Hollywood Awards Gala Ceremony in Beverly Hills on Monday (October 26).

The 35-year-old Amelia actress, who wore a Monique Lhuillier gown with dramatic cutouts and bead detailing, took home the Actress of the Year award.

24-year-old Carey, who wore Prabal Gurung and strappy sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti, won the Hollywood Breakthrough Actress Award and has picked up even more Oscar buzz for her role in An Education. “This is exciting. The photo bit is a little scary,” she told the Associated Press. “The lights flash a lot and they made my eyes water, which is terrifying. But it’s amazing.”

Even Hollywood veteran Hilary was in awe of the experience. “I have to say it’s something very surreal,” she noted. “But to have your work recognized at the end of it all is something that continues to leave me speechless.”

FYI: Hilary is wearing Stuart Weitzman “Delovely” shoes.

10+ pictures inside of Carey Mulligan and Hilary Swank‘s work being celebrated…