'Shakespeare in Love' was one of the most heated debates in Oscar history. On the big night it managed to scoop seven awards including Best Picture, sparking a fury fronted by those who believed Steven Spielberg's 'Saving Private Ryan' to be the true contender.

It was the first comedy since 1977's 'Annie Hall' to win the title prize, and to further break tradition Judi Dench scooped Best Supporting Actress for her eight minute performance as Queen Elizabeth I.

While Dench's performance may have been majestically brief, the shortest acting performance to ever be award an Oscar was Beatrice Straight's role in the classic black comedy drama 'Network' - her screen time was less than six minutes!