Who'll take Best Actress?

Five A listers may be up for the Best Actress Oscar, but homegrown star Dame Helen Mirren is the clear favourite to walk away with the trophy.After winning all the big awards in the run up to the ceremony for her portrayal of the Queen, including a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and a BAFTA, the other four nominees in the running are hardly getting a mention.But despite winning over the critics and public alike, Dame Helen still can't understand what all the fuss is about.She said: "It's a hoopla and a it's palaver and it's wonderful. Not in a million years did I ever think this would happen to me. Ever."But with two other Brits - Dame Judi Dench and Kate Winslet - Volver beauty Penelope Cruz and Academy favourite Meryl Streep against her, the judging panel would have us believe it's not a done deal.Indeed double Oscar-winner Hilary Swank is not keen to put her money on anyone either. She said: "Who knows, you never know who is going to end up take something home."She added: "They should all be proud of their work. It's been really inspiring this year."© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

ITN | February 24, 2007

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