Chicago and Gangs of New York head Bafta shortlist

Glitzy musical Chicago and the gritty Gangs of New York will fight it out for glory at the Bafta film awards as they headed the shortlist today with 12 nominations each.

Chicago’s haul included a best actress nomination for Renee Zellweger, but her co-star Catherine Zeta Jones is only up for best supporting role.

The pair had been head to head at the Golden Globes in the US last week, which were dominated by their blockbuster film.

Chicago and Gangs both compete for the top title of best film at the Baftas, up against British director Stephen Daldry’s The Hours, The Two Towers and The Pianist.

The Hours landed 11 nominations in all including best director for Daldry, who took the title at the Globes, outstanding British film, and four acting prizes including best actress for both Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep.

The second Lord of the Rings movie The Two Towers competes for nine Baftas, plus the Orange film of the year prize which is voted for by cinemagoers. Although it is not a full Bafta, it will be handed out at the ceremony on February 23.