While we highlighted the tradition of great British actresses, over the years this country has also churned out a few talented actors as well; Ian McKellan, Patrick Stewart, Anthony Hopkins, Michael Caine and Laurence Olivier are just a few that spring to mind.
In recent years it's been the likes of Daniel Day Lewis, Liam Neeson, Jude Law and James McAvoy who have been flying the British flag on the big screen.
However there are a string of very talented new faces that are all aiming to make their mark.
Robert Pattinson: This British actor went from obscurity to worldwide fame practically overnight when he took on the role of Edward Cullen in the big screen adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's novel Twilight.
Since the release of New Moon, which was one of the biggest grossing movies of 2009, Pattinson has become one of the leading new faces on the acting block.
But the actor has attempted to mix and match his roles most recently in a bid to prevent type-casting, he will next be seen in romantic drama Remember Me with Emilie De Ravin and Pierce Brosnan.
Although he will be reprising the role of Cullen in this summer's Eclipse, the third film in the franchise, he has a string of other projects in the pipeline.
He is currently filming Bel Ami with Uma Thurman, Christina Ricci and Kristen Scott Thomas before he moves on to Unbound Captives, which will see him star alongside Rachel Weisz and Hugh Jack man.
Toby Kebbell: Is all set to take on the big budget blockbuster later this year when he stars alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, based on the popular computer game.
It's a change of pace for the actor, who was last seen in costume movie Cheri with Michelle Pfeiffer last year.
Despite being in movies such as Alexander and Match Point he grabbed everyone's attention in 2007 when he starred in Control, a biopic picture about Joy Division, as the band's manager Rob Gretton.
He followed this up with a great turn in Guy Ritchie's return to form RocknRolla as Johnny Quid, a role that earnt him an Orange Rising Star Bafta Award.
But 2010 looks set to be a great year for the actor as he follows up Prince of Persia with The Conspirator, where he hooks up with James McAvoy and Robin Wright Penn, before moving onto The Sorcerer's Apprentice.
Directed by Jon Turteltaub The Sorcerer's Apprentice is based on the section from Fantasia and also stars Nicolas Cage and Alfred Molina.
Ed Westwick: Has become one of the most recognised faces on television as he stars in hit show Gossip Girl in the role of Chuck Bass.
The actor has juggled a TV and movie career appearing in the likes of Children of Men and Breaking and entering back in 2006.
And while Gossip Girl by be currently taking up most of his time watch this space it won't be long before he makes an impact on the big screen.
Aaron Johnson: The actor has enjoyed a great six months or so after gaining critical praise for his turn as a young John Lennon in Nowhere Boy and now moves onto Kick Ass.
Johnson's latest role in Matthew Vaughn's comic book adaptation couldn't be further removed from the biopic picture as he teams up with Nicolas Cage and Mark Strong.
He juggled television and movie roles in the early days of his career, moving from Behind Closed Doors and The Bill to Shanghai Knights and The Illusionist.
While it was British comedy Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging back in 2008 that caught everyone's attention it was Nowhere Boy at the end of last year that cemented him as a real talent.
Also on the agenda for the actor this year is Chatroom which follows a group of teens who meet online.
Noel Clarke: Made his name in television appearing in shows such as Auf Wiedersehen, Pet and the re-boot of Doctor Who.
Since then the actor has seen his career soar as he found success not just in front of the camera but also in the director's chair.
He took on the central role of Sam in the 2006 movie Kidulthood, he also wrote the screenplay, with Menhaj Huda on directing duties.
However it was the sequel Adulthood where he really caught everyone's attention he once again penned the script and reprised the role of Sam but this time around he directed the movie.
The movie grossed over £1 million in it's opening weekend and Clarke went on to win the Orange Rising Star Bafta Award in 2009.
He is back on the big screen later this year with Centurion, directed by Neil Marshall and starring Michael Fassbender and Dominic West, before returning to directing with 4,3,2,1.
Other British actors worth keeping an eye on include Rupert Friend, who has The Kid and Georgia this year, Hugh Dancy, Thomas Turgoose, who is back on the big screen this year and Bill Milner.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw
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