Nighy: Oscars ignore comedies

British actor Bill Nighy has slammed Oscars judges for focusing on emotionally-charged movies because comic roles are harder for actors to play.

The Love Actually star argues the Academy Awards take themselves too seriously - and this year's big winners Million Dollar Baby and The Aviator are safe choices.

Nighy, 55, says: "There's a perceived view that comedy is easier to do than all the serious acting. There's an idea that if you don't run the whole gamut of emotions, then your performance isn't rated so highly.

“It's something that I'd like to take issue with.

"I think comedy is one of the most difficult things to do, and I've done both comedy and drama.

“The problem is awards such as the Oscars don't seem to reward comedy in the same way. It's seen as more lightweight."