Movies
Ladbrokes have closed their books on betting for this year's Oscars winners five days early after heightened support for The Return of the King.
The final film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy - nominated in 11 out of 24 categories - had odds of 1/12 to take the 'Best Picture' title, making it the hottest ever favourite.
"We have been forced to close the book on the Oscars," said Ladbrokes spokesman Warren Lush. "Everybody thinks that this is one film to rule them all. If the unthinkable happens and another film conquers Middle Earth and scoops Best Picture it would be the biggest upset in the history of the Academy.
"Peter Jackson is 1/10 to win Best Director but Peter Weir's win at the BAFTA's saw him emerge as a contender. Money screams that Jackson will win but we saw a major surprise last year when Roman Polanski won at odds of 16/1.
"The most competitive category is Best Actor. Following his win at the Screen Actors Guild Johnny Depp's odds were cut to 10/1 from 20/1, while there was a gamble on Bill Murray after he won the BAFTA. Despite this, Sean Penn remains favourite for his performance in Mystic River.
"Charlize Theron is favourite for Best Actress, while Tim Robbins and Renee Zellwegger are odds-on favourites to pick up the supporting statuettes."
The ceremony will be held this Sunday, Febuary 29, at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.
The final film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy - nominated in 11 out of 24 categories - had odds of 1/12 to take the 'Best Picture' title, making it the hottest ever favourite.
"We have been forced to close the book on the Oscars," said Ladbrokes spokesman Warren Lush. "Everybody thinks that this is one film to rule them all. If the unthinkable happens and another film conquers Middle Earth and scoops Best Picture it would be the biggest upset in the history of the Academy.
"Peter Jackson is 1/10 to win Best Director but Peter Weir's win at the BAFTA's saw him emerge as a contender. Money screams that Jackson will win but we saw a major surprise last year when Roman Polanski won at odds of 16/1.
"The most competitive category is Best Actor. Following his win at the Screen Actors Guild Johnny Depp's odds were cut to 10/1 from 20/1, while there was a gamble on Bill Murray after he won the BAFTA. Despite this, Sean Penn remains favourite for his performance in Mystic River.
"Charlize Theron is favourite for Best Actress, while Tim Robbins and Renee Zellwegger are odds-on favourites to pick up the supporting statuettes."
The ceremony will be held this Sunday, Febuary 29, at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.
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