Producer Chinn scoops Oscar for Man on Wire

Mr Chinn, 39, said: “The ceremony was incredibly tense and nerve-wracking leading up to the announcement. Our biggest concern was that we would fluff our lines and screw up our acceptance speech, but we didn’t. It was a great thrill to receive the award.”

His wife Lara and three-month-old son Jonah were in Los Angeles with him. He also has a 13-year-old son, Haroun, from a previous relationship.

Mr Chinn explained that he had heard Mr Petit’s story on the BBC’s Desert Island Discs four years ago. The Frenchman had written a book about his experience.

Mr Chinn, who had previously worked on television documentary films, spent several months negotiating an option to make the film.

“We were ecstatic just to be accepted at the Sundance Festival and then we won two awards. To have gone from there to here is unbelievable,” said Mr Chinn.

His father, Sir Trevor Chinn said: “We are absolutely delighted and couldn’t be more proud of my younger son. We woke up and watched it. He came on at about 3.15 in the morning our time. There was no champagne because I had to get back to sleep so that I could get up later to go to work.

“The Bafta was an amazing award because it didn’t have a documentary section and Man On Wire beat films like Mamma Mia!, which was fantastic.”

Sir Trevor said he had spoken to Simon “and he was absolutely thrilled”.