She then promptly also reminded them of the erratic behaviour that has kept her there by turning up too late to receive the prize.
The 24-year-old, who has won a string of awards since the release of her second album Back to Black in 2006 despite her well publicised travails, was rewarded in the most highly regarded category - that of best song musically and lyrically - for Love is a Losing Game.
Her father Mitch accepted the award in her absence, telling the audience: "I don't know what I'm doing up here. Amy unfortunately couldn't make it but she's getting better and she sends you all her love."
Last year, Winehouse also won an Ivor Novello for Rehab. "She's asked me to thank the Ivors for being the first to recognise her talent," added her father.
She had been the first artist to be nominated twice in the category, with You Know I'm No Good also up for the prize. Guitarist and singer Gilmour, who received the lifetime achievement award, said he wished Winehouse well and hoped she would still be around in years to come to collect the lifetime achievement prize.
Radiohead's In Rainbows, which received much attention for its innovative release whereby fans were invited to decide how much they wanted to pay to download it, was handed the album award. Flamboyant pop singer Mika was named songwriter of the year, while Soul II Soul frontman Jazzie B was given the inspiration award.
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