Watch an exclusive clip from The King's Speech

The King's Speech transcends its historical setting to present a compelling portrait of quiet heroism, writes Philip French

Xan Brooks: Rave reviews in Toronto have made Tom Hooper's wartime drama an early Academy awards tip. But has it arrived too early?

Michael Hann hails Colin Firth's performance as George VI and, as our series enters the final straight, explains why Tom Hooper's subtle 'buddy movie' deserves to be crowned

Stuart Heritage: It was a shoo-in for a bunch of Oscars, pleased monarchists and history buffs, and got an older generation back in cinemas. But watch Colin Firth as George VI again on the small screen, on Channel 4 at 9pm on Saturday, and its oddness – the skewed camera angles, endless close-ups – will hit you immediately

• British drama takes best picture, Colin Firth wins best actor, Tom Hooper best director and David Seidler picks up best original screenplay
• Natalie Portman wins best actress
• The Fighter stars take both best supporting actor and actress

Tom Hooper and Colin Firth's beautifully crafted royal tearjerker took the audience's crown, while Clint Eastwood and Robert Redford were left stumbling in its wake

Director Tom Hooper angry at classification for swearing scene

Does Tom Hooper's Oscar-tipped Brit-flick about George VI's struggles with his stammer talk sense or take liberties?

Royal drama picks up four Oscars, including best picture, best actor for Colin Firth, and surprise best director prize for Tom Hooper, while other fancied contenders falter