Oxfordshire film director Sir Sam Mendes won big at the British Academy Awards last night.
Sir Sam's First World War film 1917, based on a story told to him by his grandfather, won seven of the nine prizes it was nominated for, including best film, outstanding British film, best director and best cinematography.
The director, a former pupil of Magdalen College School, who lives in West Oxfordshire, received a knighthood in the New Year's Honours.
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He is best known for James Bond movies Skyfall and Spectre and dramas such as American Beauty.
The movie 1917 is dedicated to the director’s grandfather, as well as the others who served in the armed forces in the Great War.
“It was not just familial responsibility but also generational,” said the director earlier, who also plays cricket for Oxfordshire Over 50s and once turned out for Shipton-under-Wychwood at Lords in the final of the Village Cricket Cup.
Florence Pugh, who grew up in Cowley Road, Oxford, where her family runs a number of restaurants, was nominated in the Supporting Actress category for her role in Little Women.
The actress, 24, arrived at the 73rd British Academy Film Awards at the Albert Hall in an eye-catching pink gown with huge ruffled shoulders and a long flowing train, which followed her down the red carpet.
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The Duke Of Cambridge, who is president of BAFTA, referred to the issue of diversity in his speech on stage, saying: "Both here in the UK and in many other countries across the world we are lucky to have incredible film makers, actors, producers, directors and technicians - men and women from all backgrounds and ethnicities enriching our lives through film.
"Yet in 2020, and not for the first time in the last few years, we find ourselves talking again about the need to do more to ensure diversity in the sector and in the awards process - that simply cannot be right in this day and age."
Renee Zellweger was named best actress for her turn as Judy Garland in Judy at the ceremony and Laura Dern was named best supporting actress for Marriage Story.
Roger Deakins's win for best cinematography for 1917 means he has become the most-decorated winner of that category, while Sir Sam won his first directing prize, making him the first British winner in the category since Danny Boyle won for Slumdog Millionaire.
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The outstanding British contribution to cinema award was presented to Andy Serkis, while the EE rising star prize was awarded to Micheal Ward.
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