With the Bafta’s fast becoming a distant memory in the look towards the Oscars, I can’t help but think of the Bafta’s a little like a warm up before the big event. A friendly before the big game, perhaps. The results don’t really count, they’re just preparation. When I sit and watch the Bafta’s I always look on with amazement at the A-listers who have made the effort to attend. ‘Oh My, Quentin Tarantino has deemed our little ceremony worthy of his presence !’. Far from showing my humble appreciation of the international film industry, this mind set is one that many share with regards to the British Film Industry. Despite a sensational history of achievements us Brits just arent that confident with our presence in the industry. Perhaps we’ve had a few quiet years, but we were very much on form this year. We had well deserved wins across categories and yet the inferiority still niggles. Although I appreciate the glorious history of American cinema, I’d like to take the next few paragraphs to remind us Brits of our own achievements.

Ah, the glorious Alfred Hitchcock. Arguably the most impressive British citizen to tackle the big screen. Sure he became an official US citizen by the end of his life but damn it, I bet he was still as proud as punch to be the best of British. Hitchcock directed some of the most iconic films in history, Psycho and Rear Window are two of the most celebrated thrillers of all time. Hats off to the lord of tension.

From one set of thrills to another, The Full Monty captured Great Britain and reminded us why we had so loved Tom Jones...because he encouraged middle aged men all over Sheffield to get their kits off. The Full Monty was a feel good phenomenon, and showed the world that cinematic greatness needn't be steeped in metaphor, they just had to promise the audience a peek at a willy. Think about it, Oscar panel.

The most beautiful, in my opinion, of all of Powell and Pressburger's creations, although feel free to argue the wonders of The Red Shoes in its place. David Niven's character Peter encapsulated what it was to be a British Gentleman; he was well spoken, well educated, and had a sharp sense of humour. He loved so strongly he was willing to argue his way out of heaven to be with his lady, and that shows commitment. The film is a real celebration of the transformation to colour, with contrasting colour and black and white sequences. The idea that Heaven is filmed in black and white and earth in colour could be seen as Peter's interpretation, where Heaven can never be as beautiful as life with June, or could also be seen as Powell and Pressburger's critique of colour film. Either way the film is a beautiful exploration of the visual, and a true British classic.

How could I compile a list of cinematic greats without the littlest mention of David Lean. A truly visionary director with a feel for a good story. Brief Encounter taught the British what it was to lose itself in desire, in a pre-war sense of frivolity that in turn revealed the loss of such self-indulgences that came with war. This film explores the idea of longing and adultery in a way that is barely considered in today's cinema, what it would be to want to spend time with another, infidelity committed with nothing more than your time and affection, and all the more poignant for it.

The Ladykillers, recently undertaking a no doubt awful remaking (Tom Hanks - why would you?), was one of the funniest of the Ealing Studio's creations, starring Alec Guinness in an brilliantly savage role. Five men decide to steal the treasure accumilated by a little old lady by posing as musicians and renting a room in her home. The film is a stark reminder of Britain's quick and satirical wit.

So there we have it, a few little reminders that us Brits have got it going on. I'd love to be able to compile a giant long list that encorporates everything but I'm hesitant to attempt anything more thorough without a little research...maybe some day soon.