In the limelight: Zeta Jones has already won a Bafta for Chicago

Propping an Oscar on her mantelpiece is one of the few challenges left for the woman who in just seven years has risen from an unknown British import to a Tinseltown player.

The question is, can the 33-year-old Catherine Zeta Jones complete the journey from dancing in 42nd Street in London's West End to basking in Oscar glory?

The answer may lie as much in the opposition she faces for the prize, as Chicago's proof of her dancing and singing skills.

The contenders for this year's best supporting actress award are no push-overs in the battle for the headlines.

Kathy Bates, nominated for About Schmidt, won a best actress Oscar for Misery in 1990.

And Hollywood's 12 times nominee and twice winner, Meryl Streep, is once again in the frame.

Head to toe: Zeta Jones' dancing is up against Meryl Streep's acting

Zeta Jones even has a fellow performer in Chicago, Queen Latifah, trying to out-manoeuvre her for the statuette.

But the actress tipped to provide the toughest challenge is Julianne Moore, for The Hours.

However, it is Zeta Jones who has been building her profile with a steady run of awards. Her role as the killer nightclub dancer Velma Kelly has already landed her a Bafta and an award from Hollywood's Screen Actors' Guild.

Some think her high-profile court battle in London could damage her chances.

Zeta Jones and Douglas took the celebrity magazine Hello! to the High Court over paparazzi wedding photographs it published without permission, saying their privacy was invaded.

Sections of the British press had a field day following the her court appearance, labelling her "greedy", "self-indulgent" and "over-the-top" for bringing the case.

I think she has a good chance of bringing the statue home to Wales Film critic Stuart Kemp

Although both sides have finished their arguments, the judge has yet to deliver his verdict, leaving an uncertainty hanging over the couple.

But because the Oscars are picked largely by US voters, who tend to look kindlier on celebrities and do not necessarily read UK papers, the court fight may not affect her chances of winning.

The support of husband Michael Douglas and a very pregnant stomach could also weigh in her favour.

Stuart Kemp, European film editor for the London bureau of the newspaper Hollywood Reporter, thinks the Miramax publicity machine may help propel her to the rostrum on 23 March, along with the rest of the Chicago team.

"She's got a very strong chance - the Chicago bandwagon is building," he said.

Moore rivalry: Julianne Moore is seen as Zeta Jones' main opponent

"It is probably one of the best campaigns that any film has had in years.

"I would say she is odds-on favourite but the other people in the category are not bad.

"She will have to beat some quality performances to win on the evening.

"Meryl Streep is Meryl Streep - a firm favourite with the academy though she's not been as visible in recent years.

Target

"But Julianne Moore might must snatch it from under her nose because The Hours is a film the Academy members enjoyed.

"Moore has put in some good performances this year and this was particularly well received."

But if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best and Mr Kemp believes Zeta Jones' first shot at an Oscar may well be on target.

He said: "I think she has a good chance of bringing the statue home to Wales."