The world held its collective breath last night as Hollywood announced the nominees for the 2010 Oscars. The usual suspects were present among the acting and directing nominations, and although the Best Picture category was twice its usual size at ten nominations, there were no real surprises there either. Where the nominations started to get interesting (at least in our office!) were in the Best Documentary, Best Animated Feature Film and Best Screenplay sections. Eco-conscious doc THE COVE garnered a nomination in the Best Documentary section, its compelling storyline no doubt winning over the judges. The beautiful THE SECRET OF KELLS (which will be released shortly after the Oscars on March 10th) also charmed the judges, and will line up alongside UP and FANTASTIC MR. FOX in the Best Animated Film category. And finally, the acid-tongued Malcolm Tucker from IN THE LOOP (in cinemas now, and on DVD in June) clearly tickled a few funny bones: the British comedy is nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Best of luck to all the nominees!