Britain claims credit for Oscars successes from ’12 Years a Slave’ to ‘Gravity’

LONDON – The big winners on Oscar night may have been set in the 19th-century American South and outer space, but for many people across the Atlantic, the Academy Awards belonged to Britain.

Best-picture winner “12 Years a Slave” has a British director, Steve McQueen, and a star, Chiwetel Ejiofor.

“Gravity,” which took seven trophies, starred Americans Sandra Bullock and George Clooney and had a Mexican director, Alfonso Cuaron. But it was made in London using British special effects teams and postproduction facilities.

Cuaron says “it’s very obvious the amazing quality and sophistication of the British film industry made this film happen.”

Prime Minister David Cameron on Monday congratulated McQueen and called the success of “Gravity” ”a tribute to the brilliance of British special effects wizards.”