Bookies pay out King’s ransom as Firth now odds-on for Oscars glory

The King’s Speech is now odds-on for Oscars glory according to Ladbrokes.

Following the film’s sweep of seven BAFTAs the bookies have slashed the odds across the board with the film now a 1/5 shot in ‘Best Picture’ and Firth an even shorter 1/33 for ‘Best Actor’.

There appears to be some respite for The Social Network in the ‘Best Director’ category where David Fincher is 8/13 to beat Tom Hooper (11/8) to the prize. Christian Bale is also expected to scoop the ‘Best Supporting Actor’ for his role in ‘The Fighter’ at odds of 1/7.

Firth’s stunning BAFTA haul was bad news for the bookies as he was one of the most popular winning favourites in the entire history of TV & Film award betting.

The long odds-on quotes didn’t act as a deterrent to punters who backed Firth in their droves with several individual 4 and 5 figure bets registered in the run up to the ceremony.

Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes said: “Our punters never lost faith in Firth and we’re not taking any chances with the Oscars. His fans don’t appear to be put off by short prices though as we prepare for another onslaught of money for him and The King’s Speech in all categories.”

Ladbrokes latest betting:

Best Picture
The King’s Speech – 1/5
The Social Network – 4/1
True Grit – 25/1
The Fighter – 33/1

Best Actor
Colin Firth – The King’s Speech – 1/33
James Franco – 127 Hours – 25/1
Javier Bardem – Biutiful – 33/1

Best Actor
Natalie Portman – Black Swan – 1/14
Anette Bening – The Kids Are All Right – 7/1
Jennifer Lawrence – Winters Bone – 20/1

Best Director
David Fincher – The Social Network – 8/13
Tom Hooper – The King’s Speech – 11/8
Darren Aronofsky – Black Swan – 25/1

Best Supporting Actor
Christian Bale – The Fighter – 1/7
Geoffrey Rush – The King’s Speech – 9/2
Mark Ruffalo – The Kids Are All Right – 66/1

Best Supporting Actress
Melissa Leo – The Fighter – 4/11
Hailee Steinfeld – True Grit – 7/2
Helena Bonham Carter – The King’s Speech – 8/1