One in five of the world's major awards from last year's international ceremonies and film festivals went to British talent. Furthermore, 25% of those awards went to British women working in the film industry.

A total of 36 awards went to British winners, representing 17% of all awards given at the top film ceremonies, including the Oscars®, BAFTAs and international film festivals such as Sundance, Cannes, Berlin and Venice.

It beats the 2008 figure of 32 British wins, which represented 15% of all awards.

We can take great pride in the quality of the UK film industry and the skills of those who work in it.

Nine of the 36 awards went to British actresses and directors, led by Kate Winslet with the Best Leading Actress Oscar® and BAFTA for her role in The Reader, and Charlotte Gainsbourg who picked up the Cannes Best Actress award for her role in Antichrist.

Award-winning women directors included Andrea Arnold (Cannes Jury Prize for the UK Film Council-backed Fish Tank), Kim Longinotto (Sundance Grand Jury Prize for Rough Aunties), Havana Marking (Sundance Directing and Audience awards for Afghan Star) and Sam Taylor-Wood (Sundance Short Filmmaking Honourable Mention for Love You More).

Esther Campbell won the Best Short Film BAFTA for her short film September, which was backed by the UK Film Council, as was Daniel Elliott's Jade, winner of the Berlin Silver Bear for Best Short Film.

“2009 was an outstanding year for British filmmaking talent, underlining the UK's international reputation for creative excellence,” said John Woodward, Chief Executive Officer at the UK Film Council.

“It's worth noting, too, that many of last year's award-winners benefitted enormously from a range of public investment and support – whether that's films such as Slumdog Millionaire and Man on Wire or filmmakers such as Noel Clarke and Andrea Arnold.

“With British talent taking home 12 BAFTAs, two Oscars® and two prizes at Berlin so far this year, we can take great pride in the quality of the UK film industry and the skills of those who work in it.”

The British director, Danny Boyle, came out on top for his film Slumdog Millionaire, which picked up six Oscars® and six BAFTAs, including Best Film, Director, Screenplay, Cinematography and Sound.