HOW HAVING A DREAM CAN TURN TO GOLD OUT IN FRONT

Producer Lesley overwhelmed at FOUR wins for harrowing WWI film as she leads the charge of Scots at the Oscars

- ANNA BURNSIDE

SCOTTISH scriptwriter and S producer Lesley Paterson still cannot believe that All Quiet on the Western Front won four Oscars, having slogged for 17 years to get the antiwar epic made.

She said after the 95th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles: "I don't think I've ever felt such extreme emotions before.

All Quiet was named Best International Film at the ceremony. The German-language movie also won in the production design, original score and cinematography categories.

But it lost out on best adapted screenplay and best movie, two categories it won at the Baftas.

Lesley said: "I'm gutted for not winning for screenplay but proud of the four Oscar wins for the film.

"I have very mixed emotions right now. It's been a lot to handle over the last couple of months.

"There was the build-up and then you're finally there and trying to absorb the moment. But the nerves, the anxiety, the fallout, the disappointment and the excitement are a lot."

The 42-year-old, from Stirling, was still determined to make the most of Hollywood's most glittering night and work the room. She said: "It was really hard to go to the parties. I was so emotionally exhausted but I was still trying to go and meet people.

Lesley, who competed in triathlons in an attempt to raise enough money to fund the film, rocked the Oscars' new cream carpet in a neon yellow, red and pink gown by London-based designer house Kolchagov Barba.

She said: "Getting dressed up by the designers, feeling like a princess was awesome, being part of the crowd.