Pinewood and Shepperton Studios will receive the award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award atthe Orange British Academy Film Awards on Sunday.

Shepperton Studios and Pinewood Studios are two of the world's most prestigious studios with a history going back almost 75 years.

Despite growing global competition, they have kept the UK at the forefront of major film production.

Among more than 1,500 films are all-time classics such asThe African Queen, David Lean's Great Expectations, Dr Strangelove, Superman, Alien, The Shining, Gandhi, and most recently The Bourne Ultimatum and 20 of the 22 Bonds including Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace.

Ivan Dunleavy, Chief Executive of Pinewood Shepperton plc adds: 'We are absolutely thrilled that the role of Pinewood Studios and Shepperton Studios has been honoured in this way, recognising the skills of all the people who have worked there over the last 75 years and the contribution which the Studios have made to British cinema and the UK.'

Awarded annually, the award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema was introduced in 1978 and is presented in honour of Michael Balcon.

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