Benjamin Button Leads all Films with 13 Oscar Nominations

The Academy Award nominations were announced today and, as was somewhat expected, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" racked up the nominations. In all, the film garnered 13 nominations, leading all films in Oscar nods. Among the nominations were those for best picture, best acting for Brad Pitt and Taraji P. Henson and director for David Fincher. Said Pitt of the nominations, "This is a great honor for the movie, and I’m especially happy for David Fincher, for without him there would be no Ben Button."

Other films nominated for the best picture award were "Front/Nixon," "Milk," "The Reader" and "Slumdog Millionaire." In all, "Slumdog Millionaire" took 10 nominations, coming in at a close second to Benjamin Button. Also of note was the fact that Heath Ledger, as expected, received a best supporting actor nomination for his role as the Joker in "The Dark Knight." The nomination for Ledger came on the one-year anniversary of his death by accidental drug overdose.

Pitt’s soul mate, Angelina Jolie, was also represented among the Oscar nods, gaining a best-actress nomination for her role in "Changeling," which was directed by Clint Eastwood. Speaking of her director for that film, Jolie noted, "Working with Clint Eastwood was a reward in itself that will last me a lifetime. To receive a nomination from the academy on top of that is a privilege beyond any expectation." Other noteworthy nominations announced were a best actress nod for Kate Winslet for her role in "The Reader," a lead-actor nomination for Richard Jenkins for "The Visitor," a best actress nomination for Anne Hathaway for "Rachel Getting Married" and Meryl Streep for "Doubt."