Dame Judi Dench thinks it's a ''great pity'' 'Skyfall' has been snubbed at the Oscars.

The 78-year-old star is bitterly disappointed the 23rd chapter in the James Bond franchise failed to earn a single Academy Award nomination in the main categories, especially after being tipped to buck the trend for big budget blockbusters losing out.

She told BBC Radio 4: ''I'm very, very sorry that nothing has been recognised. That's a great pity. I thought Sam Mendes directed it absolutely beautifully. It was a terrific film.''

The Daniel Craig fronted action film - which was nominated for eight BAFTA awards on Wednesday (09.01.13) including Supporting Actress for Judi's portrayal of MI6 chief M - was given five nods in the Oscars' technical categories like sound editing and best original song for Adele's haunting opening credits track 'Skyfall'.

However, the British actress wonders whether there might be a prejudice against the spy franchise since she thought Sam Mendes was a real contender for the Achievement in Directing gong.

Judi sighed: ''I just think that all round it was really wonderfully directed and presented and filmed and lit and shot. But I've got a BAFTA nomination and that's terrific. I think it's good luck if you get an Oscar nomination and bad luck if you don't.''

James Bond will be given a special tribute at the Los Angeles based ceremony on February 24 to celebrate 007's 50th anniversary.