And America is just about beginning to fall in love with her. Which is why while veteran British actress Judi Dench might have a roomful of BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) awards and had her OBE upgraded to Dame status, the Oscars only recognised her in 1999, for an eight-minute role in Shakespeare In Love.

This time, the Best Actress nominee is being applauded for her work in Mrs Henderson Presents, Stephen Frears' cosy new film based on the real woman who brought naked girls to British stage.

Critics might not have loved the film itself, but they can't get enough of Judi. Here's what some top reviewers had to say.

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