Britain's most prestigious film awards will have a distinctly American feel this year, as Chicago and Gangs Of New York are leading nominations for the Baftas. The two films have received 12 nominations each and will be battling it out in all the major categories.
In the best film section it is far from a two-horse race, however, with The Pianist, The Hours and Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers also in the running.
Rings star Ian McKellen announced the nominations, and was no doubt happy to see that Gandalf, Bilbo and the rest of the gang are up for nine gongs.
The best actress category will also be closely watched, with Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep (The Hours) competing against Salma Hayek (Frida), Halle Berry (Monster's Ball) and Renee Zellweger (Chicago).
Roman Polanski's holocaust drama The Pianist is tipped as the frontrunner in the best actor category, with relative newcomer Adrien Brody taking on a roll-call of Hollywood heavyweights. The 29-year-old faces stiff competition for the prize, with Jack Nicholson, Michael Caine, Nicolas Cage and Daniel Day-Lewis also nominated.
The February 23 ceremony will be hosted by comedian Stephen Fry with the help of a myriad of show biz stars. Kiwi hardman Russell Crowe will also be in attendance after giving assurances to be on his best behaviour. The 36-year-old, who won best actor last year, let loose with a torrent of abuse after his poetry reading was cut out of the 2002 broadcast.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
