The highest grossing film ever to have been made in Britain, The Full Monty, has scooped the highest number of nominations in the 50th British Academy (Bafta) film awards.

The film, about unemployed Yorkshire steelmen who turn to stripping to make a living, has received 11 nominations, including best film, best original screenplay and best actor.

Mrs Brown, was nominated eight times, including best actress category for Dame Judi Dench, who has been nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of Queen Victoria in the film.

Titanic picked up five nominations

The Hollywood box-office hit. Titanic, also picked up five nominations, including best film, best direction and visual effects.

Kevin Spacey and Kim Basinger were nominated for their roles in the 1950s-style US crime thriller LA. Confidential, which is also in the running for the best film award. Gritty drama Nil By Mouth and The Wings of the Dove have also been hotly tipped for potential prizes.

This is the first year in which the Bafta film awards are to be separated from the television awards, with different ceremonies for each.

Bafta's vice-president, Lord David Puttnam, said: "The creation of a dedicated awards ceremony for film could not be more timely.

"For the first time in years there is a real sense of vibrancy and excitement around the British film industry."

The nominations are:

• Best Film: The Full Monty, LA Confidential, Mrs Brown, and Titanic.
• David Lean Award for Achievement in Direction: Peter Cattaneo for The Full Monty, Curtis Hanson for LA Confidential, James Cameron for Titanic, and Baz Luhrmann for Romeo and Juliet.
• Alexander Korda Award for Outstanding British Film: The Borrowers, The Full Monty, Mrs Brown, Nil By Mouth, Regeneration, and Twentyfourseven.
• Best Original Screenplay: Boogie Nights, The Full Monty, Mrs Brown, and Nil By Mouth.
• Best Adapted Screenplay: The Ice Storm, LA Confidential, Romeo and Juliet, and the Wings of the Dove.
• Best Leading Actress: Kim Basinger for LA Confidential, Helena Bonham Carter for the Wings of the Dove, Kathy Burke for Nil By Mouth, and Dame Judi Dench for Mrs Brown.
• Best Leading Actor: Robert Carlyle for The Full Monty, Billy Connolly for Mrs Brown, Kevin Spacey for LA Confidential, and Ray Winstone for Nil By Mouth.
• Best Supporting Actor: Mark Addy for The Full Monty, Rupert Everett for My Best Friend's Wedding, Burt Reynolds for Boogie Nights, and Tom Wilkinson for The Full Monty.
• Best Foreign Language Film: L'Appartement, Lucie Aubrac, Ma Vie en Rose, and The Tango Lesson.
• Anthony Asquith Award for Achievement in Film Music: The Full Monty, LA Confidential, Titanic and Romeo and Juliet.

The awards ceremony will be held at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on April 19.

The public will also get their chance to vote for their favourite film from the 10 most successful releases in Britain over the past year.
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