Helen Mirren Wins Best Actress Oscar

The Queen star Helen Mirren, who plays Elizabeth II in the hit film, was announced as the winner of the Best Actress Oscar. 

The other nominees were Judi Dench for Notes on a Scandal, Meryl Streep for The Devil Wears Prada, Penelope Cruz for Volver and Kate Winslet for Little Children.

Dame Helen Mirren received Tony nominations for her Broadway performances in Dance of Death and A Month in the Country, and has made many stage appearances in her native Great Britain.  She was previously nominated for Oscars for Gosford Park and The Madness of King George, and has won three Emmys, including one for her recent turn in "Elizabeth I."  She is also known for her work in the "Prime Suspect" series.  She is a SAG Award and Golden Globe Award-winner for her work in The Queen.

The Queen, also starring Michael Sheen as Tony Blair, is written by Peter Morgan and directed by Stephen Frears.

The Oscars are currently being broadcast live on ABC from the Kodak Theatre in L.A.

Visit www.oscars.com for more information and a full list of nominees.