Brazil's 'City of God' gets Oscar nods

SAO PAULO, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Brazil's most popular film last year was nominated Tuesday for four Academy Awards, including best director.

"Cidade de Deus" (City of God) was tops at the box office at the end of 2002 and for a large part of 2003, making it the likeliest candidate to represent Brazil's in this year's Oscar race.

In addition to getting a Best Director nod for Fernando Meirelles, Cidade de Deus is also in the hunt for honors in the categories of film editing, cinematography and best adapted screenplay.

Set in a Rio de Janeiro "favela," or slum, the film is an often brutal portrayal of how the neighborhood and its inhabitants fall prey to increasing gang violence.