Almodovar, Loach vie for Euro Film Awards

Pedro Almodovar's critically lauded film Volver has landed six nominations at the European Film Awards. It will face stiff competition from The Lives Of Others, a German film that is also in the running for six awards.

Trailing close behind with one less nomination is British director Ken Loach's film The Wind That Shakes The Barley

The three films are all competing in the Best Film and Best Director categories and have received previous accolades throughout the year. Volver's ensemble female cast - including Penélope Cruz - were collectively given the Best Actress award at Cannes this year, with Almodovar garnering the Best Screenplay. However, The Wind That Shakes The Barley won the highly prestigious 'Palme D'Or' at the same festival.

Director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's The Lives Of Others set a record for most nominations - eleven - at the German Film Awards. The movie is a look at life in the oppressive society of communist East Germany.

Irish actor Cillian Murphy is in contention for Best Europe Actor for his roles in Neil Jordan's Breakfast On Pluto and The Wind That Shakes The Barley.

The European Film Awards will be taking place in Warsaw, Poland on December 2.