'Constant Gardener' is critic's favorite

LONDON, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- "The Constant Gardener" garnered seven nominations Wednesday to lead the field for the 26th London Film Critics' Circle Awards.

The film adaptation of John le Carre's novel got nods for director Fernando Meirelles, producer Simon Channing Williams and for film of the year, the Hollywood Reporter said.

Other directors receiving nods were Ang Lee for "Brokeback Mountain", Paul Haggis for "Crash,", Peter Jackson for "King Kong" and David Cronenberg for "A History of Violence." All of those movies were nominated in the film of the year category as well.

Best actor nominees include Johnny Depp for "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," Heath Ledger for "Brokeback Mountain," Bruno Ganz for "Downfall," Don Cheadle for "Hotel Rwanda" and Viggo Mortensen for "A History of Violence."

Actress of the year nominees are Juliette Binoche for "Hidden," Naomi Watts for "King Kong," Catalina Sandino Moreno for "Maria Full of Grace," Laura Linney for "Kinsey" and Maria Bello for "A History of Violence."