With The Oscars just around the corner, we look back on the UK equivalent, The BAFTAs, and speak to the stars about the films that are set to sweep the board at this year’s ceremony…

The likes of George Clooney, Rachel Weisz, Heath Ledger and Ralph Fiennes were all present at London’s Leicester Square Odeon for what’s widely regarded as a preview to The Los Angeles glitz fest. We caught up with Charlize Theron, who looked stunning in a gorgeous blue dress on the red carpet, who told us that this was her first BAFTA experience. "It's a very English event, so I like that. I love the British crowd; whenever I've come down for a premier they've been amazing. It's been an incredible two years for me, the quality of material I've been given to work with has been phenomenal. The work is always the reward, but to get nominated is such an honour. I'm thrilled to be here." Sadly she left empty-handed, but with her nomination for Best Actress at The Oscars this Sunday, looks like she might just have the last laugh.

Joe Wright, who picked up an award for directing British period drama Pride and Prejudice, expressed his surprise at winning. "We didn't think we'd get any nominations so it's really wonderful. I'm going to put it on top of my book shelf so I can look at it when I'm a bit down". He also spoke of working with Brit beauty Kiera Knightley, who was just 19 when they began shooting. "She is still very young, but I always knew she had it in her. It's important to make actors feel relaxed, to get the best possible performance out of them." He definitely did a good job, as the gorgeous young star has been selected as a contender for Best Actress at this weekend’s bash.

Best Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, won for his lead role in Capote and is another contender this Sunday, told us that before landing the part, he knew very little about the character he went on to so brilliantly portray. "I read the script and became obsessed and began reading everything about him. I think that's a good thing as I didn't have a bias or slant; I had a fresh impression on him so didn’t judge him." We asked him how he prepares for award shows like this. "It's so not interesting; I'm the wrong guy to answer that question. About ten minutes before I just put my suit on, make sure I don't look too ridiculous, make sure I have my phone, and then go!" Let’s hope that he takes a little longer this Sunday, as he can expect a lot of paparazzi attention on the night.

Underrated screen queen Thandie Newton picked up the gong for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, for the tense drama Crash. "It's fantastic to be a Brit and win at The BAFTAs”, she gushed. “Its not just about me, you have to step into the light and obviously I am British and this is my home, so there's a pride that we all absolutely share, I feel I have a whole tribe of people, and it feels absolutely amazing to be representing The UK tonight."

Jake Gyllenhaal, who picked up the award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Brokeback Mountain said, “It was a complete surprise, I really didn't expect it at all. Like Christmas, I always think that if I have no expectations I'll have a much better day and night”. Brokeback Mountain, which picked up four accolades, is tipped to repeat the night’s success in Los Angeles this weekend. A ground breaking film, critics have asserted that it will go down in history for its unique portrayal of gay love. “It’s already had a initial impact”, Gyllenhaal observes. “I’ve seen that just from walking down the street, that’s important to me. If people make more movies like it or people are more socially conscious, only time will tell”. Was he nervous about taking on the role of a gay cowboy?  “I was not nervous. A lot of people are surprised by me saying that. I grew up surrounded by relationships like the one in the film, some of my closest family members and friends are gay. Every love story needs an obstacle, that’s what makes a great love story”.

As the countdown begins for the big night, tension mounts as we wait to discover who will emerge victorious, and whether The BAFTA winners will repeat their success. With Brokeback Mountain nominated in virtually every category, it looks certain that the team behind the project will walk away with a smile on their faces, and with five nominations each, Capote and Walk The Line are sure to do well too.