SEABISCUIT NOMINATIONS Best picture Adapted screenplay Cinematography Art direction Costume design Sound Film direction Story: Oscar nominations

The nags-to-riches true story of a horse in Depression-hit America played to rave reviews in the States.

It has made the shortlist of five for best picture, and will face competition from Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Lost in Translation, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, and Mystic River.

Seabiscuit, based on the best-selling book by Laura Hillenbrand, saw Tobey Maguire take the lead role of jockey Red Pollard.

He was part of an impressive cast list, which included Jeff Bridges as the charismatic owner Charles Howard.

One-eyed former prize-fighter Pollard, struggling Howard and near-mute trainer Tom Smith (Chris Cooper) triumphed over adversity by taking Seabiscuit to glory.

Lord of the Rings dominates the Oscars list with chances in 11 categories, and is an odds-on chance with bookmakers to win best movie.

Seabiscuit's nominations include awards for best adapted screenplay and cinematography.

But Maguire and the other actors have missed out on the chance of an honour, and the movie is rated a 25-1 outsider to be voted best film.

The awards will be presented on 29 February.