Colin Firth and Nataile Portman set to head Oscars shortlist

The campaign to win an Oscar is not so much a whispering campaign as a screaming match.

Film studios and production companies will be throwing millions of dollars around to make sure their picture is in the frame to come away with a statue.

But as well as schmoozing and partying there will be plenty of people who will do everything they can to make sure the rival pictures are tainted.

The latest of these campaigns seems to be aimed at best actor favourite Colin Firth, who is currently 1/12 in the Oscars betting.

Allegedly, an email claiming to be from an Academy member was sent to an influential film blogger. In it they said many of the Academy will ignore Firth for the award because his character – King George VI – was reluctant to let German Jews enter British-owned Palestine at the outbreak of World War II.

This is typical of the kind of rumours that will become more prominent as the ceremony draws closer. It would be a massive shock if Firth was to miss out and he shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

Another person who shouldn’t lose any sleep over their nomination is Natalie Portman who looks set to be nominated for her role in Black Swan.

She is 1/6 favourite for the best actress gong following her brilliant performance as a troubled ballerina.

A £25 bet on The King’s Speech to win best picture could see a return of £94. New Ladbrokes customers can sign up here for a free £25 bet.