By Peter Bowes In Hollywood

Chicago leads the nominations with 13

Razzle-dazzle them - Chicago is beginning to look like a show-stopper for this year's Oscars.

The big screen version of the 1975 hit musical received 13 nominations - including best picture and mentions for all the leading actors - except Richard Gere.

Despite that hiccup, the Miramax film has built up a considerable bandwagon of support and is in a strong position to become the first musical to win best picture since Oliver in 1968.

There is a sense in Hollywood that 'the musical is back' and that at a time when a sombre mood hangs over the nation, the glitzy production provides some much-needed light relief.

American talent dominates the largely predictable list of nominees.

"It's not a great British turn out this year - but where we expected it we got it," said Katy Haber, Bafta LA's managing director.

Stephen Daldry's The Hours poses the biggest threat to Chicago.

OSCAR FAVOURITES Best film: Chicago - 8/13 Best actor: Daniel Day-Lewis - 10/11 Best actress: Nicole Kidman - 11/8 Supporting actor: Chris Cooper - 4/9 Supporting actress: Catherine Zeta Jones - 13/8 Source: Coral Click here to have your say

The well-reviewed drama based around the author Virginia Woolf is a good bet to win Nicole Kidman the best actress crown.

However, it is possible that if Chicago builds up such a head steam, Renee Zellweger may sneak in to take to the award for her role as murderess Roxie Hart.

Sir Michael Caine's inclusion in the list of best actor hopefuls, for The Quiet American, is proof that campaigning pays off.

Tough competition

While Caine's performance as a British journalist, in 1950s Vietnam, won the approval of critics, the film received mixed reviews.

"He really worked hard for that one - a lot of interviews, a lot of press interviews and a lot of stomping the streets," says Ms Haber.

Nicole Kidman is up for best actress in The Hours

Caine will face formidable competition from fellow British star, Daniel Day-Lewis, who plays Bill the Butcher in Gangs of New York.

However, the Hollywood favourite remains the irrepressible Jack Nicholson, for About Schmidt.

There is also a noticeable buzz building in favour of Martin Scorsese for best director.

The Oscars sometimes overlook true icons in the film-making business preferring to honour them later in life.

Generally regarded as a genius behind the camera, Scorsese is likely to get the recognition he deserves for a body of work, although Gangs of New York is not considered to be his finest picture.

Sir Michael Caine's inclusion in the list of best actor hopefuls, for The Quiet American, is proof that campaigning pays off Click here for nominees' reactions

"He's an old timer and well established - I have a hunch he's going to win it this year - he deserves it," added Ms Haber.

Eminem intrigue

The organisers of the 23 March ceremony have said the show will reflect the mood of the US - especially if the country is at war with Iraq.

However the choice of nominees in the best song category guarantee that the musical numbers will be among the most varied ever seen on an Oscars show.

They include I Move On from Chicago, U2's The Hands That Built America, from Gangs of New York and Eminem's Lose Yourself from 8 Mile.

An appearance by the controversial rapper will certainly stand out.

Should he be named the winner, the prospect of an acceptance speech by Eminem is even more tantalising.

"It's a smart move for the Oscars," said Ms Haber.

TOP NOMINEES Chicago - 13 Gangs of New York - 10 The Hours - 9 The Pianist - 7 Frida - 6 Lord of The Rings - 6 Road to Perdition - 6 Click here for the full shortlist

"Good visuals for the Academy Awards - they've got to update it.

"When you think of the age bracket of people who watch television, it's getting more and more clouded in old age clothes.

"It's good for them that they can appeal to a different type of audience."