By Susan Yi

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts/ Los Angeles (BAFTA/LA) celebrates outstanding television and film talent at its 16th Annual Cunard Britannia Awards, which will be held in Los Angeles on November 1, 2007.

Among those honored are actress Kate Winslet, recipient of the Britannia Award for British Artist of the Year; filmmaker Martin Campbell, recipient of the John Schlesinger Britannia Award for Artistic Excellence in Directing; and New Line Cinema’s Co-Chairmen and Co-CEO’s Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, recipients of the Cunard Britannia Award for Lifetime Contributions to International Film.  Denzel Washington is distinguished as the recipient of BAFTA/LA’s prestigious 2007 Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award for Excellence in Film.

BAFTA/LA Chairman Peter Morris offers praise to the 2007 awards recipients and their abilities to “…capture the imagination of film audiences, both innovatively and commercially.  [BAFTA/LA] is proud to honor their accomplishments and welcome them to the distinguished pantheon of [honorees].”

Actress Kate Winslet entertains international success and popularity as one of Britain’s critically acclaimed talents.  Her impressive resume boasts one BAFTA Film Award and five nominations, one SAG Award and five nominations, five Academy Award nominations, and five Golden Globe nominations among her many credits.  Winslet has collaborated with various innovative directors and actors and continues to pursue challenging roles as a thriving and talented artist.

Award-winning director Martin Campbell’s most recent successful venture was Casino Royale, an international box office triumph.  In his capacity as a director, Campbell has played a major role in producing the international careers of many successful actors.  His credits include The Mask of Zorro, The Legend of Zorro (its sequel) and Vertical Limits.

Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne have together pioneered the growth of New Line Cinema from a private distributor to that of a leading entertainment studio.  As a powerhouse team, Shaye and Lynne have set a new standard of production, marketing and distribution, garnering unprecedented success in the box office with movies like Rush Hour, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Seven and most recently, Hairspray.  New Line Cinemas continues to associate itself with superior ventures both in the mainstream and niche sectors of the film industry.

Actor and director Denzel Washington is a powerful talent who has significantly expanded the range of dramatic roles portrayed by African-American actors and actresses.  His work as a socially conscious actor has produced box office sensations that have won him countless nominations and honors.  He is the second African American performer ever to receive an Academy Award for Best Actor.  His compelling work both onscreen and off will continue to attract critical raves and audience adoration.

BAFTA/LA is a California based non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the American and British entertainment communities.  Since 1987, BAFTA/LA has maintained a significant presence in promoting original work in film, television and interactive media by hosting various awards ceremonies as well as networking events.  BAFTA/LA also serves our community as a serious advocate of educational outreach by providing scholarships, seminars and mentorships to inner-city youth as well as professional and student talent.