And The Nominations Are…

The critics have contemplated, the candidates have been scrutinized and the votes are in. Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Golden Globe nominations have been announced. And it looks highly likely that Chicago might come out the biggest winner. The big-screen version of the hugely popular stage show released here on 26 December and starring Rene Zellweger, Catherine Zeta Jones and Richard Gere is leading the race with eight nominations, with Stephen Daldry's The Hours not far behind with seven nods and the Nicolas Cage starring Adaptation keeping up the pressure with six. Regarded as the biggest tip as to whom might be tearfully accepting a little bald fella next March at the Oscars, the Golden Globes are awarded by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association which represents more than 90 film writers from publications in 55 countries. Once more, they've done themselves proud by picking a mighty fine selection of movies to be considered for the main prize. And there's some intriguing battles up ahead. Nicole Kidman's up against her co-stars from The Hours, Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore, and the contest for Best Director is perhaps one of the best seen in years. Brit director Stephen Daldry must face down competition from the one and only Martin Scorsese and the unstoppable Peter Jackson as well as Chicago's Rob Marshall, Adaptation - and John Malkovich - helmer Spike Jonze and About Schmidt's Alexander Payne. So for those with an eye open and an ear to the ground for the next lauded pic to see, here is the full list of those filmmakers who'll be chewing their nails down to the quick and either smiling that forced smile or accepting the glory in this January's ceremony. **Best Motion Picture