The 70th Oscars delivered a record-equalling 11 awards for Titanic - but a meagre haul for Britain today.

The Full Monty, which had four nominations, won the best musical or comedy score.

Four British best actress nominees were heading home empty handed after sole American contender Helen Hunt triumphed for As Good As It Gets.

She paid tribute during her acceptance speech to the British contenders, starting with York-born Dame Judi Dench, nominated for playing Queen Victoria in Mrs Brown.

"The first time I saw Mrs Brown, I turned to my beloved and said: 'She is going to win an Academy Award'.

"In my mind tonight she has, and so has Helena Bonham Carter, and so has Julie Christie and so has Kate Winslet," she said.

Dame Judi's brother, York retired GP Dr Peter Dench, admitted today he was disappointed his illustrious sister had failed to pick up the best actress gong - one of the few acting awards she has not won in a long career devoted mainly to the stage and TV.

Dr Dench said: "One's hopes had been raised. It looked as though she was going to be the favourite but it did not happen on the night.''

See COMMENT ... Full marks to Brits

Meanwhile, back in Sheffield...

Locals at Shiregreen Working Mens Club in Sheffield put on their own Full Monty show to a crowd waiting to see how well the movie that was filmed in their club did in the Oscars in the early hours of today. The Full Monty picked up one award at the Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles for Best Comedy Score.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.