The glittering cinema awards season is nearly underway. This year's Bafta nominations were announced on Friday, and the red carpet rolled out in Hollywood as Tinseltown gears up for Monday's Golden Globes.
It was up to Kinky Boots actor Chiwetel Ejiofor and the British Academy's chair Hilary Bevan Jones to reveal the nominees for this year's Bafta honours. Leading the way with ten nods was The Queen, which has been showered with plaudits since it made its debut at the Venice Film Festival. The film's star, Dame Helen Mirren, has been nominated in the best actress category.
The acclaimed flick is closely followed by Bond movie Casino Royale which picked up nine nominations - including the best actor for Daniel Craig, who last year replaced Pierce Brosnan in the super-spy role. Film critic Mark Kermode describes the nod as "one in the eye for the people who said he wasn't the right person for the job".
Winners will be announced at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden on February 11, just two weeks before the mother of awards ceremonies - the Oscars. Those in contention for best film at the London bash include Little Miss Sunshine, The Departed, The Last King Of Scotland and Babel, as well as The Queen.
Among those Brits vying for glory at the London ceremony are Dame Judi Dench for Notes On A Scandal and Kate Winslet - in the best actress category - for Little Children, and Emily Blunt for her supporting role in The Devil Wears Prada.
Meanwhile, a frenzy of activity has been seen outside the Beverly Hilton hotel in LA where the Golden Globes will soon be attracting some of the biggest names in showbiz. Executive Chef Suiki Sugiura has been especially busy coming up with a menu fit for A-list palates. His fabulous dessert will be in keeping with the silver screen theme, including a scroll of edible film reel.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
