It's fortunate that the divorce between directors James Cameron and Kathryn Bigelow was an amicable one, because, after a showdown at the Golden Globes, they're neck and neck again in the running for this year's BAFTAS, with Avatar and The Hurt Locker both nominated in the Best Director and Best Film categories. But will they be able to beat off stiff competition from the sophisticated An Education, widely-acclaimed George Clooney hit Up In The Air, or striking outsider Precious: Based On The Novel Push By Sapphire? Also up for Best Director gongs are Quentin Tarantino, for Inglourious Basterds, and Neil Blomkampf, for District 9.
The BAFTAS aren't generally known for celebrating action or science fiction films, but this year could be something different, with a marked change in tone. Avatar and District 9 have also been nominated for a slew of technical awards, District 9 is up for Best Adapted Screenplay and Moon has received several nominations, including Outstanding British Film and Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer. Let The Right One In has been nominated in the Best Foreign Film category, facing stiff competition from Broken Embraces, The White Ribbon, A Prophet and Coco Before Chanel, while the Best Animated Film contest is between Fantastic Mr Fox, Coraline and Up.
But what about the stars? Front runner for Best Actor is Colin Firth, for his heartbreaking performance in A Single Man. Jeff Bridges has a nomination for Crazy Heart and George Clooney for Up In The Air; and there's The Hurt Locker again, with Jeremy Renner. Also recognised is Andy Serkis' astonishing turn as Ian Dury in Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll.
This year's Best Actress nominations pit established star Meryl Streep (for Julie & Julia) against a host of fresh talent, including Atonement's Saoirse Ronan for her ghostly turn in The Lovely Bones and Gabourey Sidibe for her remarkable debut in Precious. Audrey Tatou (Coco Before Chanel) and Carey Mulligan (An Education) are also contenders.
The results will be announced on February 21.
