Many U.S. nominees won't attend BAFTAs

LONDON , Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Many U.S. nominees for British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards have said they don't plan to attend the upcoming ceremony at the Royal Opera House.

The Times of London said Hollywood stars George Clooney, Johnny Depp, Tommy Lee Jones, Laura Linney and Ellen Page have all sent their regrets, stating they are unavailable for the Feb. 10 gala.

British actress Julie Christie also said she can't attend, while U.S. actors Casey Affleck, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Hal Holbrook haven't given their answers yet.

British actors Daniel Day-Lewis, Keira Knightley and James McAvoy, as well as directors Joel Coen and Anton Corbijn, are set to go to the show, however, the Times said.

The romantic period drama "Atonement," starring Knightley and McAvoy, led the field when BAFTA nominations were announced last month.