New Names For Oscar Race

The American Screen Actors Guild today cast their hats into the Oscar build-up with a series of nominations for Best Performances that brought a number of surprise names into the contest. While the likes of Russell Crowe, Halle Berry and Sissy Spacek have all featured predominantly in other awards ceremonies to date, the actors guild has included a number of interesting choices in the Best Leading and Supporting Performances categories. For Best Actor - both Kevin Kline (Life as a House) and Sean Penn (I am Sam) get the nod, while Renee Zellweger and Cameron Diaz slip into the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress categories respectively. The awards, which include categories for both solo and ensemble performances, are chosen initially by a small percentage of the SAG membership which comes up with the shortlist. The shortlisted performances are then voted on by the entire body of SAG members and the results announced on 10 March - just two weeks before the Oscars. The Nominees in full: For Outstanding Performance By A Male Actor In A Leading Role Russell Crowe - A Beautiful Mind Kevin Kline - Life As A House Sean Penn -** I Am Sam ** Denzel Washington - **Training Day ** Tom Wilkinson - In The Bedroom For Outstanding Performance By A Female Actor In A Leading Role Halle Berry - **Monster