The Aviator set to soar at the Oscars

Martin Scorcese's The Aviator is in pole position to follow up its Golden Globe success at the Oscars in February.

15:37 25 January 2005

Martin Scorcese's The Aviator is in pole position to follow up its Golden Globe success at the Oscars in February.

The story of millionaire Howard Hughes leads the way with 11 nominations, ahead of Finding Neverland and Million Dollar Baby with seven nominations each.

All three films will compete with Ray Charles biopic Ray and comedy Sideways for best picture.

Aviator star Leonardo DiCaprio, fresh from winning a Golden Globe, is nominated in the best actor category, while Alan Alda and Cate Blanchett are up for best supporting actor and best supporting actress awards.

DiCaprio faces competition in the best actor category from Johnny Depp for Finding Neverland, Clint Eastwood for Million Dollar Baby, Don Cheadle for Hotel Rwanda, and Jamie Foxx for Ray.

Brits Kate Winslet and Imelda Staunton have been given an opportunity to make up for their Golden Globe disappointment by being nominated in the best actress category for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Vera Drake respectively.

Vera Drake, directed by Mike Leigh, also received nominations for best director and original screenplay.

Another Brit, Clive Owen, is nominated in the best supporting actor category for his Golden Globe-winning performance in Closer.

The 77th Academy awards will take place in Hollywood on February 27th.

For a full list of nominations click here