Dame Helen Mirren was crowned queen of the Oscars as she won the award for best actress.

The 61-year-old star won for her starring role in 'The Queen', in which she played the British monarch during the days following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

The actress had been the runaway favourite to win the category and in her acceptance speech she paid tribute to the Queen. She said: "For 50 years and more, Elizabeth Windsor has maintained her dignity, her sense of duty - and her hairstyle.

"She has had her feet planted firmly on the ground, her hat on her head and her handbag on her arm. She has weathered many, many storms. And I salute her courage and her consistency and I thank her because if it wasn't for her I most certainly would not be here."

She ended her speech by holding up the Oscar statuette and saying: "Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Queen."

The British star paid tribute to her fellow nominees - Dame Judi Dench, Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz and Meryl Streep. She said: "I share my gold star with them. They are brilliant, brilliant actresses who have amazing performances this year."

The actress flew the flag for the UK when she arrived at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, grabbing a Union Jack from Sky One presenter Fearne Cotton and clutched it as she walked the red carpet. She said: "I've nicked it and I'm flying the flag!"

Read on to see the full list of Oscar winners who joined Helen Mirren in winning a prestigious prize.