Coldplay were the big winners at the World Music Awards in Monaco last night (November 9th), taking home two prizes.

The band, who released their fourth album 'Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends' earlier this year, were named the World's Top-Selling Act of 2008 and Rock Act of the Year.

Leona Lewis also collected two prizes – Best Pop Female and New Artist – while Amy Winehouse was awarded with the Female Pop/Rock Award.

Other winners included Beyonce, who was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to the Arts award, and Mariah Carey, who was presented with the Special Achievement Prize.

Lil' Wayne was named Top Hip-Hop/Rap Artist of 2008 while the Biggest Internet Artist of the Year was Akon.

Both Beyonce and Carey were among the performers at ceremony. The awards are based on worldwide sales.

(by Jason Gregory)