Last September I wrote a glowing review of Tomas Alfredson’s Swedish-style adaptation of John le Carré’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. So I was delighted to see that the film has picked up three Oscar nominations.

Actor in a Leading Role: Gary Oldman (Smiley)

Music (original score): Alberto Iglesias

Writing (adapted screenplay): Bridget O’Connor and Peter Straughan

On hearing the news of his nomination in Berlin – the former heart of the Cold War depicted in the film – Gary Oldman declared himself to be ‘in shock’.

While this is a first nomination for Oldman, it’s the third for Iglesias, a Basque composer who has written film soundtracks for The Constant Gardener, The Kite Runner and All About My Mother, amongst others. You can listen to a clip of his brooding, jazz-tinged score on the film’s webpage. 

The writing nomination is a highly poignant one, as Bridget O’Connor died last year at the age of 49 following a battle with cancer. Her husband, Peter Straughan, gave his reaction to the nomination here.

The 2012 Oscars will take place on Sunday 26 February.