2013 Oscar Disappointments

Ben Afleck and Leonardo di Caprio both snubbed as the 2013 Oscar Nominations are revealed. The Academy Awards, due to take place in Los Angeles on February 24, has also failed to recognise the performances of Britain's Dame Judi Dench and Dame Helen Mirren despite being tipped for nominations.

The full list of nominations was announced earlier today and, like the Golden Globes and the Baftas, it is heavily weighted towards Steven Spielberg's US civil war drama, Lincoln. It is undeniable that the film is a success with 11 Bafta nominations and now 12 Oscar nominations under it's belt. Once again, the hot favourite for Best Actor seems to be Day-Lewis for his portrayal of the American President. In fact, should Day-Lewis pick up the award, it will be his third success in the Best Actor field. Unlike the Bafta nominations, however, Spielberg receives recognition for his work by his inclusion in the Best Director category. Sam Mendes, unfortunately, is omitted once again. Indeed, Skyfall has been snubbed by the critics by failing to be included in the more popular categories such as Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress. Instead, it receives a nod for its musical score and theme song: Adele has received a nomination in the Original Song category. Speaking about her disappointment, Dame Judi Dench has said she is 'sorry' over Skyfall's lack of recognition:

BBC Entertainment

Significantly, Dame Helen Mirren and Maggie Smith have also been missed off of the shortlist by the Academy despite having received nominations for their roles in Hitchcock and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel respectively. Undoubtedly, it was not a shortlist that favoured the Brits as Tom Hooper (Les Miserables) was left out of the Best Director category. The British director picked up the award in 2010 for The King's Speech and has received high praise from the industry for his big screen adaptation of the hit musical.

Surprisingly, Leonardo di Caprio fails to make the grade for his performance in Django Unchained despite Tarantino receiving a nod in the Best Director and Best Picture categories. However, the shock of the day has to be the Academy's omission of Ben Afleck from the directing and acting shortlists given that the Golden Globes and Baftas are often an indication as to who, or which films, will be favoured at the Oscars. The film has received critical acclaim and was a surprising Box Office smash.

Finally, The Silver Linings Playbook has been shortlisted for all four of the acting categories. Bradley Cooper possibly giving the performance of his career so far with his portrayal of an undiagnosed bi-polar man whose life has been turned upside down by his wife's betrayal. This is the first film since Reds in 1982 to have been included in all four categories which has to say something but I will let you be the judge of that:

Source: BBC Entertainment