TIM BEVAN - BEVAN PROUD FOR KNIGHTLY AFTER BAFTA SNUB

PRIDE + PREJUDICE producer TIM BEVAN feels vindicated by star KEIRA KNIGHTLEY's Academy Award nomination, after being enraged by the British Academy Film Awards failure to acknowledge the actress last month (JAN06).

The Working Title Films co-founder was thrilled when yesterday's (31JAN06) announcement saw Knightley's role in the JANE AUSTEN-adaptation pit her against JUDI DENCH, FELICITY HUFFMAN, CHARLIZE THERON and REESE WITHERSPOON in the Performance By An Actress In A Leading Role category.

He says, "It was a little frustrating that our own organisation (BAFTA) doesn't recognise that they've got a great young actress who's proving herself."

Bevan also worked with Knightley when she starred in LOVE ACTUALLY, which he also produced.