Brown hails British film industry after Oscars success

The British film industry is "leading the world", Gordon Brown said today after a night of Oscar triumph.

The Prime Minister congratulated the makers of Slumdog Millionaire, which won eight Academy awards including Best Picture and Best Director for Danny Boyle.

And he said the country should be very proud of British successes, which also saw Kate Winslet take home the Best Actress award for The Reader.

Arriving in Southampton for a Cabinet "awayday", Mr Brown said: "I am incredibly proud of the Oscar success of Slumdog Millionaire and Kate Winslet, and I congratulate everybody who has contributed to the success.

"Britain is showing it has the talent to lead the world.

"I think we should be very proud of what are great British successes.

"It shows that Britain is leading the world not just in film but fashion, music and design - and long may that be the case - as a result of the great talent that we have.

"I particularly want to congratulate all those who have won Oscars."

Earlier he said: "I would like to congratulate Danny Boyle and all those who worked on Slumdog Millionaire on winning an incredible eight Academy Awards.

"I was lucky enough to see the film myself and understand how it has captured the imagination of people all over the world. Its success is truly well-deserved.

"Slumdog Millionaire's triumph, together with Kate Winslet winning Best Actress, is a fantastic achievement for the British film industry which is now leading the world.

"Last night was a great night for Britain."

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham said: "Last night's Oscars success for Slumdog Millionaire and Kate Winslet completes an exceptionally successful awards season for British film we have much to be proud of.

"Cinema attendances and domestic production increased last year and the industry continues to produce outstanding, surprising and culturally enriching films.

"The talent we have in this country right now sets a high bar of cultural excellence that can only serve to inspire the next generation of actors and film-makers."