Norfolk has become a destination for filmmakers in recent years with a growing number of productions choosing to use the county's locations. 

With its wild landscape, stunning coastline and wealth of historical backdrops, it is little wonder the county is catching the eye of producers.

Some of the silver screen's biggest stars have travelled here to feature in Hollywood and independent flicks, with some becoming classics.

Here are seven award-winning films shot on location in Norfolk.

1. The Souvenir

Eastern Daily Press: Tilda Swinton arrives for filming at the Majestic Cinema in King's Lynn Picture: Chris BishopTilda Swinton arrives for filming at the Majestic Cinema in King's Lynn Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)Joanna Hogg's The Souvenir was predominantly filmed in Norfolk at sites such as King's Lynn and Raynham Hangars.

Well-known British actors Tilda Swinton, Richard Ayoade and Charlie Heaton starred in the film.

The Souvenir won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Festival in 2019 and its sequel, also filmed in Norfolk, achieved two awards at the British Independent Film Awards.

Grace Snell, from Norwich, won Best Costume Design at the ceremony.

2. The Personal History of David Copperfield

Eastern Daily Press: The filming of David Copperfield is taking place at The Purfleet in King's LynnThe filming of David Copperfield is taking place at The Purfleet in King's Lynn (Image: Archant 2018)Armando Lannucci's period comedy based on the Charles Dickens novel brought an all-star cast to King's Lynn for filming.

The likes of Dev Patel, Tilda Swinton, Ben Whishaw and Hugh Laurie could all be seen in the port town when it was shot in 2018.

The film won a number of awards including five at the British Independent Film Awards and it was also nominated for a BAFTA for Best Casting.

3. Shakespeare In Love

Eastern Daily Press: Gwyneth Paltrow won an Oscar for Shakespeare in LoveGwyneth Paltrow won an Oscar for Shakespeare in Love (Image: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)The romantic period drama, released in 1998, went on to achieve huge success after it won seven Oscars at the Academy Awards.

It won Best Picture and also gained Gwyneth Paltrow her first, and only Oscar, for Best Actress.

The film put Holkham beach on the map as in the closing scene Paltrow can be seen walking along its long stretches of sand.

4. Yesterday

Eastern Daily Press: The 6,000 extras on Gorleston beach enjoying the music during filming by Danny BoyleThe 6,000 extras on Gorleston beach enjoying the music during filming by Danny Boyle (Image: Archant)Danny Boyle's The Beatles-inspired movie was filmed at locations across East Anglia, including Gorleston and Halesworth.

In one memorable scene, 6,000 extras descended upon Gorleston beach for a staged live performance.

The film went on to win an award at the Montclair Film Awards in the World Cinema category.

5. Full Metal Jacket

Eastern Daily Press: Full Metal Jacket was filmed in the Norfolk BroadsFull Metal Jacket was filmed in the Norfolk Broads (Image: Newsquest)It may seem unlikely but parts of Stanley Kubrick's 1987 Vietnam War drama were shot in the tranquil Norfolk Broads.

The Broads were chosen for their supposed similarity to rice paddy fields and can be seen in a scene where a US helicopter gunner shoots into the 'Vietnamese countryside'.

Full Metal Jacket won five awards at various ceremonies across the world.

It was also nominated for an Academy Award but missed out on getting an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay to Bernardo Bertolucci's The Last Emperor.

6. Spencer

Eastern Daily Press: Kristen Stewart on Hunstanton beach for the filming of SpencerKristen Stewart on Hunstanton beach for the filming of Spencer (Image: Linda Hall)Spencer, released in 2021, centres on a weekend in the early 1990s when Princess Diana joined the Royal Family for Christmas at the Sandringham Estate.

Shooting locations in Norfolk included St Peter and St Paul's Church in Shropham – which stood in for St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham – and Hunstanton beach.

Kristen Stewart, who plays Princess Diana, and the film crew were spotted at the Norfolk coast in March 2021.

Stewart missed out on an Oscar for Best Actress but the film won numerous awards including prizes at the Palm Springs International Film Festival and the Hollywood Critics Association.

7. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Eastern Daily Press: Filming at the Sainsbury Centre at the University of East Anglia for Avengers: Age of UltronFilming at the Sainsbury Centre at the University of East Anglia for Avengers: Age of Ultron (Image: Archant © 2014)Film crews came to the Sainsbury Centre at the University of East Anglia in 2014 with stars including Robert Downey Jr (Iron Man), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) and Chris Hemsworth (Thor) spotted on campus as the gallery served as the futuristic base of the Avengers.

The footage was then re-used in the other releases including Spiderman: Homecoming, Ant-Man and Avengers: Endgame.

Age of Ultron won gongs at the People's Choice Awards and the Teen Choice Awards and made $1.4bn at the box office.