UK Films Win 16 Oscar Nominations

British films have received a total of 16 nominations for this year's Oscars, in a year when British talent is dominating the event.
Lottery funded titles 'Venus' and 'The Last King of Scotland' are among those nominated for the industry's top awards.
John Woodward CEO of the UK Film Council, said: "This is a really great start to the year for the British film industry. Today's 16 nominations for British films and talent come on the back of a number of wins at the Golden Globes and high hopes for the forthcoming BAFTAs."
Stephen Frears 'The Queen' has been nominated for a total of six awards which include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay for Peter Morgan, Best Actress for Dame Helen Mirren, Best Original Score and Best Costume Design.
Meanwhile Richard Eyre's 'Notes on a Scandal' has received a total of four nominations including Best Actress for Dame Judi Dench and Best Adapted Screenplay nomination for Patrick Marber and novelist Zoe Heller, as well as Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Score.
In addition Paul Greengrass's 'United 93' has received two nominations including Best Director and Best Editing. Larry Charles's 'Borat' has received one nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. Also flying the flag for British talent is Kate Winslet, who has received a Best Actress nomination for her role in 'Little Children'.
Roger Michell's 'Venus' has received a Best Actor nomination for Peter O'Toole, while Kevin Macdonald's 'The Last King of Scotland' has received a Best Actor nomination for Forest Whitaker.
The British film industry continues to win top awards on both sides of the Atlantic, with BIFAS, Golden Globes, LA and New York Critics awards having been made, plus BAFTA nominations.
The number of Oscar nominations constitutes one of the strongest years ever for the British film industry.
The 79th Annual Academy awards take place at the Kodak Theatre, Los Angeles USA on 25 February 2007.
(SP)