Lesley’s film scoops more awards at Oscars ceremony

Three people in a trench with guns. They wear helmets.

©ReinerBajo/ Netflix

All Quiet on the Western Front – an adapted screenplay co-written by Drama alumna Lesley Paterson – saw further success at The 95th Academy Awards (Oscars) on 12 March.

The film won seven BAFTAs just a few weeks ago and last night it added to its success as it took home four prestigious Academy Awards.

Up for nine awards, the films’ four winning categories were Cinematography, International Feature Film, Music (Original Score), and Production Design.

The German language film recounts experiences of the first world war, based on the personal experiences of the books’ author, Remarque.

Having been named Best Film at the BAFTAs, the team added to their success as they took home the second highest number of awards from the Oscars.

Two soldiers stand together looking through a piece of broken glass. ©ReinerBajo

©ReinerBajo/ Netflix

Despite its huge success on the global stage, it hasn’t been an easy journey.

Lesley spent 16 years fighting for the film before its release on Netflix in 2022. She gained the rights to the book by Erich Remarque in 2006 and found a range of creative ways to keep the dream alive, including meeting rights payments by competing and succeeding in triathlon competitions.

During one competition, Lesley competed with a broken shoulder, and still took home the prize money.

Finding ways to combine her passions for sport and drama, this success story has given the Scottish triathlete the opportunity to swap trainers for ball gowns – and her filmmaking journey is set to continue alongside alumnus husband Dr Simon Marshall, who is an uncredited writer on All Quiet. The pair are currently working on a range of projects set in Scotland, Africa and Ireland.

Read more about Lesley’s journey.