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Hollywood director Paul Greengrass from Gravesend loses out on an Oscar with his Captain Phillips film

Kent's home-grown Hollywood director failed to pick up any gongs at the Oscars on Sunday night.

Paul Greengrass, a former Gravesend Grammar School pupil, was in Los Angeles for his Captain Phillips film, which was nominated for six awards including best picture.

But his film didn't star as historical epic 12 Years a Slave and space drama Gravity dominated the successes.

Paul Greengrass is a former Gravesend Grammar School pupil
Paul Greengrass is a former Gravesend Grammar School pupil

Despite the disappointment, the 58-year-old will return to Gravesend later this month for a special showing of his screenplay at the Paul Greengrass cinema.

It stars Tom Hanks and is based on the 2009 American cargo ship Maersk Alabama hijacking, an incident during which merchant mariner Captain Richard Phillips was taken hostage by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean.

The Woodville Halls
The Woodville Halls

Woodville Theatre manager Neil Chandler - which houses the Paul Greengrass cinema - is looking forward to welcoming him on Tuesday, March 25, and was delighted that he just got to the Oscars.

"It wasn't a disappointment," he said. "What happened is what I thought beforehand. Captain Phillips was in some very difficult categories so just to be nominated was great."

Woodville Halls manager Neil Chandler
Woodville Halls manager Neil Chandler

"It was a huge accolade to get there and without a doubt we're looking forward to having Paul come here on the 25th.

"I'm sure he's got many great films planned and we'll find out about them later this month."

Captain Phillips didn't pick up one of these
Captain Phillips didn't pick up one of these

Greengrass will take part in a question and answer session before Captain Phillips is screened. Tickets are £10.

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