British writer and director Mike Leigh has had an extensive film history for his award-winning television shows and full feature films. Admiration for Leigh mainly spawns from his intense and realistic study of everyday life and the open exposure of the working class.The Guardian: Mike Leigh Profile (January 7, 2005) His distinct methods and techniques of working within his field have made his contemporary style gain respect and admiration worldwide.BAFTA: Life in Pictures: Mike Leigh (May 20, 2008)

Leigh was nominated for a Best Original Screenplay Oscar for his work Happy-Go-Lucky, but the award went to Dustin Lance Black for Milk.

• 2008: Happy-Go-Lucky
• 2004: Vera Drake
• 2002: All or Nothing
• 1999: Topsy-Turvy

• 1997: BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay for Secrets and Lies
• 1998: Ordre des Artes et Lettres (France)
• 1998: Silver Condor for Best Foreign Film (Argentina) for Secrets and Lies

• 1997: Academy Award for Best Writing for Secrets & Lies
• 2000: Academy Award for Best Writing for Topsy-Turvy
• 2001: LCCFA Best Screenwriter of the Year for All or Nothing
• 2005: Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Vera Drake
• 2005: BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay for Vera Drake

• Filmmakers should remain true to their principles and never compromise, there is a real revival in the British film industry but there is a danger that we will become colonial servants of Hollywood. We need to maintain our own integrity.ThinkExist.com: Mike Leigh Quotes (October 3, 2008)

• Humanity is wonderful ... there to be savoured. It's like a great feast.British Academy of Film and Television Arts: A Life in Pictures: Mike Leigh(May 20, 2008)