ANG LEE - MOUNTAIN GARNERS EIGHT OSCAR NODS

Following the pattern of critics groups and industry guilds, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences virtually ignored Hollywood's big blockbusters of 2005 and singled out a small number of relatively low-budget films -- several of which opened only in so-called art houses -- in its list of Oscar nominations announced this morning (Tuesday). Heading the list with eight nominations was the clear Oscar favorite, director Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain, which received nominations for best picture, director, actor (Heath Ledger), supporting actor (Jake Gyllenhaal), supporting actress (Michelle Williams), and adapted screenplay (Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana). In what may be a first, George Clooney picked up three nominations for two different films: supporting actor for Syriana; and director and co-writer for Good Night, and Good Luck. Winners will be announced on March 5.

31/01/2006