Oscar-winning actress Dame Judi Dench is to make her debut as a presenter at this year's 72nd Academy Awards.

She will join main host Billy Crystal for the US film industry's awards ceremony in Los Angeles on 26 March, producers Richard and Lili Fini Zanuck have announced.

At last year's Oscars, Dame Judi won Best Supporting Actress for her part as Elizabeth I in Shakespeare In Love and in 1998 she was nominated for Best Actress for her role in Mrs Brown.

Her range of successes in a career which has spanned forty years have made her one of the UK's most popular actresses.

Her success in television comedies, serious stage roles and blockbuster films has earnt her a reputation as a versatile actress with a strong sense of humour.

Last year she won a Tony for her part in the Broadway hit Amy's View and was also seen starring as M in the James Bond film The World is Not Enough.

At the March ceremony she will join experienced host Billy Crystal, who will be presenting the ceremony for the seventh year.

Crystal, who starred in films such as The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally and Deconstructing Harry, has earned three Emmy awards for his writing and hosting of the show.

Last year he was replaced as host by actress Whoopi Goldberg, but has been welcomed back for this year's ceremony.