In recent years the British have enjoyed success at the Oscars with the likes of Kate Winslet and Keira Knightley all securing nominations and Helen Mirren winning Best Actress last year.This years there is whole host of British talent who have done well this awards season but it's Daniel Day Lewis who is leading the Oscar charge.Daniel Day Lewis has won every award on the circuit so far this year and is odds on favourite to win his second Oscar.He won his first Academy Award in 1990 for his role in My Left Foot and has had two other nomination for In the Name of the Father in 1994 and Gangs of New York in 2003, an award many thought he should have won.Similarly in the Best Actress category it's Julie Christie that's expected to win the prestigious award despite a surprise win for french actress Marion Cotillard at the Baftas.Julie Christie won her one and only Oscar in 1966 for her role in Darling but has received two more nominations in her lengthy career for McCabe and Mrs Miller in 1972 and afterglow in 1998.

There's also British actors in strong contention in the Supporting categories.

Tom Wilkinson earns his second nomination, for his role in Michael Clayton, he received his first in 2002 for In The Bedroom.

Also for her role in Michael Clayton, for which she won a Bafta, Tilda Swinton earns her first Academy Award nomination.

Irish actress Saoirse Ronan joins Swinton in the Supporting Actress category for her role as Briony Tallis in Atonement.

As well as being up for Best Picture Atonement's writer Christopher Hampton has also received a nod for Best Adapted Screenplay after he brought Ian McEwan's much loved novel to the big screen.

There is also recognition for cinematographer Roger Deakins has earnt two nominations for his work on The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and No Country For Old Men.

Even with all of this success there are some notable absences as Keira Knightley, James McAvoy's performances in Atonement were overlooked so too was the film's director Joe Wright.

Despite these names missing from the category shortlists three of the most coveted prizes in the film industry, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Picture, could be awarded to British talent.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw