Oscar Wait Almost Over

The Oscar nominations are announced today, with stars still waiting to learn whether there will be a ceremony to attend.

The British film industry is on a high after success at the Golden Globes and period drama Atonement is expected to feature strongly.

Julie Christie and Daniel Day-Lewis are also likely to pick up nominations after their Globe wins.

Tim Burton's musical Sweeney Todd and its stars, Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter, could be in with a shout, alongside the more heavyweight offerings of American Gangster and No Country For Old Men.

Best actress contenders include Keira Knightley for Atonement, Angelina Jolie for A Mighty Heart and Cate Blanchett for Elizabeth: The Golden Age. Cate is also likely to pick up a best supporting actress nomination for her turn as Bob Dylan in I'm Not There.

The Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on February 24 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.

With the US writers' strike now in its 12th week, the biggest night in the Hollywood calendar is under threat.