The Queen star Helen Mirren was ruling over her silver screen competitors as she received three Golden Globe nominations this week. The 61-year-old veteran actress is among a host of talented Brits to be shortlisted, and with the Golden Globes widely regarded as a predictor of success at the Academy Awards in February, it means Britain's chances for an impressive Oscar haul are looking good.
Dame Helen has been nominated as best actress for her acclaimed performance in The Queen, as well as two nominations in the TV mini-series category for her roles in Elizabeth I and Prime Suspect.
"I'm extremely honoured," said an elated Helen. "This has been an unprecedented year for me, and I am grateful to have had such well-written roles and to have worked with wonderful directors, actors and crews." She added that she was amazed by the reaction to The Queen, and how it "struck a chord with audiences around the world".
Brit beauty Kate Winslet also received a best actress nod for her film Little Children, as did Judi Dench for Notes On A Scandal. "I can't tell you how happy I feel about this, it's just so so great," says the Titanic star - who has previously been nominated four times, but never won.
Kate doesn't believe it will be her year, however, and expects rival Helen to win. "She deserves it," says Kate. "I have never felt this kind of backstabbing, competitive thing. There's just this tremendous sense of everyone being pleased for each other."
Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, who was nominated for best actor in the comedy section, revealed he had yet to pass the news on to his alter ego, Kazak journalist Borat. "I've been trying to let Borat know this great news but for the last four hours both of Kazakhstan's telephones have been engaged," he joked. Kinky Boots actor Chiwitel Ejiofor and House star Hugh Laurie have also received nods.
The Globes, awarded by the Hollywood Press Association, will be presented at a ceremony in LA on January 15.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
