As expected, Richard Linklater's innovative drama Boyhood - filmed with the same cast over a 12 year period - dominated the Oscar nominations, announced on Thursday morning by Alfonso Cuaron and J.J Abrams. Wes Anderson's comedy-caper The Grand Budapest Hotel also picked up a slew of nods and is the clear second favourite to win Best Picture in February.

BoyhoodBoyhood looks the likely winner of Best Picture at the Oscars

In the category of Best Picture, Boyhood and Budapest will go up against Birdman, Foxcatcher, The Theory of Everything, Whiplash, Selma, The Imitation Game and American Sniper.

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Michael Keaton was as expected nominated for Best Actor for his sensational performance in Birdman, though he faces stiff competition in the form of Eddie Redmayne (Theory of Everything) and Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game). They are joined by Bradley Cooper for American Sniper and Steve Carell for Foxcatcher.

Best Actress will likely to go Julianne Moore for Still Alice, though in a relatively strong category she is joined by Marion Cotillard, Felicity Jones, Rosamund Pike and Reese Witherspoon.

BirdmanMichael Keaton is nominated for Best Actor for his incredible turn in Birdman

Best Director is an interesting category. Richard Linklater is joined by Alejandro Gonzelez Inarritu, Wes Anderson, Mortem Tyldum, and Bennett Miller. 

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In the supporting categories, JK Williams (Whiplash) and Patricia Arquette (Boyhood) will be extremely difficult to beat in their respective categories though face reasonable competition in the form of Robert Duvall, Ed Norton, Mark Ruffalo, Ethan Hawke, JK Simmons, Emma Stone, Keira Knightley, Laura Dern and Oscar legend Meryl Streep.

The Oscar for Best Animated Feature is likely to be a straight fight between The Boxtrolls and Big Hero 6 after the shock omission of The Lego movie.

In tribute, let's all watch The Lego Movie trailer: