MATT DILLON - DILLON SAD FOR CRASH CO-STARS

Hollywood heart-throb MATT DILLON found his Oscar nomination bittersweet yesterday (31JAN06) - because he is the only member of the CRASH cast to be nominated for a performance in PAUL HAGGIS' acclaimed deconstruction of racial tension in Los Angeles.

The actor has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as a racist Los Angles cop alongside GEORGE CLOONEY (SYRIANA), JAKE GYLLENHAAL (BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN), PAUL GIAMATTI (CINDERELLA MAN) and WILLIAM HURT (A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE).

Dillon says, "I'm very excited about it, but at the same time, part of me wishes that some more of my fellow castmembers could have gotten nominated, too, 'cos there certainly were worthy performances.

"I wouldn't say overlooked because it's not a competitive sport, but TERRENCE (HOWARD) was certainly worthy. DON (CHEADLE), THANDIE (NEWTON). RYAN (PHILLIPPE) was terrific. MICHAEL PENA, SANDRA BULLOCK. I really feel that. So I'm proud to represent the cast. But we all did it together. It's the best ensemble I've worked with."

Howard is nominated for Best Actor for his performance in HUSTLE + FLOW.