Judi Dench has finally found BAFTA recognition for her role as M in the James Bond movies. This year, the latest Bond movie, directed by British director Sam Mendes has received no fewer than eight nominations, in a year when at last, the 50 year old Bond franchise looks as though it could be in the running for an Oscar.

Dench’s appearance in Skyfall marked the last time that the veteran actress would play the role of M in the James Bond movies and finally, she has been recognised by the BAFTAs for her contribution to the world famous franchise, with a Best Supporting Actress nomination. Skyfall has also received nods for Outstanding British Film, Cinematography, Best Supporting Actor (for Javier Bardem), Editing Original Music, Production Design and Sound. No nod for Daniel Craig, though, the star of the movie.

Amanda Berry, chief executive of BAFTA, said “The public have really taken the film to their hearts, they went to see it in their droves internationally," the Telegraph reports. “Javier Bardem was the most amazing baddie so it's great to see him nominated too… Judi Dench was first nominated in 1966 as outstanding newcomer. She's never been nominated as M before, and it felt like her role was bigger this time. It was also her last performance. I just think it was a terrific film, really well made, with an outstanding cast.” Skyfall was just pipped to the post in terms of the number of nominations it received, by the movie Lincoln, starring Daniel Day Lewis.