British stars prepare for Academy Awards By BRIAN FERGUSON Published on Sunday 26 February 2012 00:52 BRITAIN'S Oscar hopefuls were the toast of Los Angeles as they geared up for tonight's Academy Awards ceremony. Victoria Beckham joined award contenders Kenneth Branagh and Gary Oldman on the red carpet for a special event at the British consulate to celebrate the UK industry. Oldman laughed off his chances of an Oscar for his role as George Smiley in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, saying he expected to lose out to Jean Dujardin, star of The Artist. But he said he was "thrilled" to be at the awards, describing his first Academy Award nomination as "extremely humbling, gratifying and delightful." He added: "The Oscars are always something I've watched from my sofa." Branagh, 51, in the running for best supporting actor for his performance as Sir Laurence Olivier in My Week With Marilyn, is the first person to achieve five different nominations in five categories. He said: "Each time it feels like a once-in-a-lifetime thing, so you value and savour every moment. I'm relieved and delighted that people feel we did a good job with somebody whom I revered and respected, and who inspired much of what I've done. Albert Nobbs star Janet McTeer, 50, who is in the running for best supporting actress, also attended Friday's pre-Oscars reception, which was hosted by British culture secretary Jeremy Hunt. He said: "The UK has a truly world-class film industry, with amazing people both in front of and behind the camera. This not only contributes to the enormous success of Hollywood film studios but has a hugely positive impact on the British economy. Also at the showcase was Phyllida Lloyd, director of The Iron Lady, which has seen Meryl Streep placed as hot favourite for the best actress honour thanks to her turn as Margaret Thatcher. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's writer Peter Straughan is nominated for adapted screenplay with his late wife Bridget O'Connor, who died of cancer at the age of 49 before the film was released. Steven Spielberg's War Horse, based on the National Theatre play, is among nine films up for best picture. It is pitted against The Artist, The Descendants, Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close, The Help, Hugo, Midnight In Paris, Moneyball and The Tree Of Life.