The Saudi Arabian film Wadjda has received a nomination in the foreign film category of the Academy Film Awards, Britain's equivalent of the Oscars. Competing in the same category is the British-Filipino independent film Metro Manila, directed by Sean Ellis.
The space thriller Gravity and the unflinching slavery saga 12 Years a Slave are the leading contenders: Gravity has nominations in 11 categories, including best picture and lead actress, for Sandra Bullock.
The 12 Years star Chiwetel Ejiofor and the director Steve McQueen had 10 nominations, including for best picture.
Acting nominees announced Wednesday include Leonardo DiCaprio for The Wolf of Wall Street and Judi Dench for Philomena.
The British prizes, known as Baftas, will be awarded at London’s Royal Opera House on February 16.
They are considered an indicator of likely success at Hollywood's Academy Awards two weeks later. Last year, the Iran hostage drama Argo took the Bafta for best film and the best-picture Oscar.
artslife@thenational.ae
