King Kong nominated for Empire awards

Peter Jackson's 'King Kong' remake has been nominated for five prizes at the 2006 Empire magazine film awards.

Although it was virtually ignored by the Golden Globes, the Baftas, and the Oscars, the film has been shortlisted for Best Film, Best Director, Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Best Actor for Andy Serkis and Best Actress for Naomi Watts.

Comedian Bill Bailey will host this month's ceremony, for the only movie awards voted for by the British public.

'Pride and Prejudice', 'Crash' and 'Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit' have four nominations each.

King Kong is competing with 'Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith', 'War Of The Worlds', 'Crash', and 'Sin City' in the Best Film category.

Both 'King Kong' and 'Revenge Of The Sith' are up against 'Serenity', 'The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe' and 'Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire' for the new Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy award.

Jackson is joined in the best director category by Steven Spielberg ('War Of The Worlds'), Christopher Nolan ('Batman Begins'), Joe Wright ('Pride & Prejudice'), Ron Howard ('Cinderella Man') and Nick Park and Steve Box ('The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit').

Empire magazine's editor-in-chief, Colin Kennedy, said the awards are designed to recognise movies of all genres.

"This outstanding and diverse line-up is the only shortlist to celebrate the best movies of 2005, films that were not only widely seen by the ordinary public but cherished and remembered some months later," he said.

"While the Oscars and the Baftas rightfully celebrate the narrow set of prestige movies released during 'awards season', our show is designed to recognise movies of all genres, echoing the way ordinary filmgoers talk about movies."

The ceremony will be held at the Hilton London Metropole on 13 March.