Penelope Cruz, nominated for best actress for her role in Volver, with Canadian writer Paul,Haggis last fall. Haggis got his third straight screenwriting nomination, this one for "Letters From Iwo Jima."(AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
January 23, 2007 - 12:36

'Dreamgirls' leads Oscar noms; Gosling, Haggis, Mehta among Canuck nominees

DAVID GERMAIN

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) - The musical "Dreamgirls" led Academy Awards contenders Tuesday with eight nominations, but surprisingly was shut out in the best picture category after being considered a potential front-runner.

The sweeping ensemble drama "Babel" was close behind with seven, including best picture and acting honours for two newcomers to U.S. audiences, Adriana Barraza and Rinko Kikuchi.