Meryl Streep - Meryl Streep Looks To Repeat Awards Success At Baftas

Meryl Streep was up against Hollywood heavyweights such as Tilda Swinton and Glenn Close at the Golden Globes and she faces Swinton once more, along with Viola Davis. The remainder of her competition comes from The Artist's Peppy Miller and My Week with Marilyn's Michelle Williams. George Clooney faces Brad Pitt once more, as well as Gary Oldman, for his role in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Jean Dujardin for his performance in the Artist and Michael Fassbender for Shame. The films with most chance of sweeping the boards are The Artist and The Descendants with a number of strong contenders in the Outstanding British Film category, including My Week With Marilyn, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and We Need to Talk About Kevin.

The legendary Hollywood director Martin Scorsese has been nominated for an award for his work on Hugo, facing competition from Michel Hazanavicus and Lynne Ramsay. In the Supporting Actor category, Jim Broadbent has been nominated for playing Denis Thatcher in Iron Lady joining Golden Globes winner Christopher Plummer and nominee Kenneth Branagh. In the Supporting Actress category, Dame Judi Dench is amongst the front-runners, along with Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer. Melissa McCarthy has also been nominated for her role in Bridesmaids.