The Breakthrough: 1996's Nil By Mouth saw Hollywood A-lister Oldman moonlight as a director of British realism, and his star Burke (usually Harry Enfield's sparring partner on telly) win Best Actress for her scorching dramatic role as a battered wife.

Post-Cannes: Back to the day job for both. Oldman hasn't directed since; Burke's new TV comedy series, Walking And Talking, premieres next month. That said, the two reunited for a lovely scene in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.