Dreamgirls steal the show on Oscar shortlist

The crowd-pleasing musical Dreamgirls led Academy Awards contenders today with eight nominations, but surprisingly was shut out in the best picture category after being considered a potential front-runner.

The sweeping ensemble drama Babel was close behind with seven, including best picture and acting honours for two newcomers to US audiences, Mexico’s Adriana Barraza and Japan’s Rinko Kikuchi.