Lord of the Rings leads Oscar field

THE Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, the final chapter in Peter Jackson’s majestic fantasy trilogy, led the Academy Awards race yesterday with 11 nominations, including best picture and director.

The Napoleonic era naval adventure Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World was right behind with 10 nominations, among them best picture and director.

Bill Murray, Diane Keaton, Sean Penn and Charlize Theron all Golden Globe winners on Sunday were among the leading acting nominees announced in Beverly Hills.