‘Dead Poets’ Is One of 5 Oscar Nominees to Win British Award

LONDON —  Five top contenders for U.S. Oscars won British academy awards Sunday, with the American drama “Dead Poets Society” named best film of 1989.

Pauline Collins was named best actress for her portrayal in “Shirley Valentine” of a housewife who escapes boredom in Liverpool and finds fulfillment in Greece. Collins, giving her thanks, said it was a brave decision “to put a middle-aged unknown” in a major film.

Daniel Day Lewis took best actor honors for his portrayal of crippled Irish writer Christy Brown in “My Left Foot.” Accepting the award from actress Angela Lansbury, Day Lewis expressed his “lasting admiration” for the late writer.

Kenneth Branagh was named best director for “Henry V,” in which he played the title role. The 29-year-old actor had also been nominated for best actor.

American writer Nora Ephron walked off with the award for best original screenplay for “When Harry Met Sally,” a comedy about a decade-long friendship that turns into love.

“Dead Poets Society,” the story of an inspirational boarding-school teacher played by Robin Williams, beat “My Left Foot,” “Shirley Valentine” and “When Harry Met Sally” for the best film award.

In addition, Maurice Jarre’s music for “Dead Poets Society” was honored for best original film score.

Collins, Day Lewis, Branagh, Ephron and the “Dead Poets Society” have been nominated for Academy Awards, which will be given out in Los Angeles next Monday.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards were for films released in Britain in 1989. Oscar hopefuls such as “Driving Miss Daisy,” “Born on the Fourth of July” and “The Fabulous Baker Boys” did not open in time to be considered.