Hollywood Elite Gather In London For Baftas

As the entertainment industry reels from the death of singer and actress Whitney Houston, some of the biggest names in showbusiness are set to gather at the Baftas.

Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Meryl Streep are all expected to attend along with Gary Oldman, Carey Mulligan, John Hurt and many others.

It is not yet clear if any tribute will be paid to The Bodyguard actress Houston, who has died in Los Angeles at the age of 48, at the ceremony in London on Sunday night.

The Baftas have become one of the most significant nights in the international film calendar.

The bookies' favourite for best film is The Artist, the silent black and white ode to cinema which has taken the film world by storm. It won best film at the Golden Globes and tops tonight's nominations with 12.

Jean Dujardin, who plays lead role George Valentin, has tough competition in the best actor category from George Clooney, who is up for his role in The Descendants, Brad Pitt, who stars in MoneyBall, Michael Fassbender for Shame and Gary Oldman for Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy.

Tinker, Tailor, the adaptation of John Le Carre's famous cold war spy story, has garnered 11 nominations, the second highest, although it has been largely ignored at the other awards ceremonies.

It boasts a great British cast, including John Hurt who is being honoured with the outstanding contribution to cinema award.

Hurt told Sky News he was deeply honoured to be recognised by his peers and grateful of the opportunities he has been given over the years.

"I am most grateful and very touched because it is being given to me in the country which has allowed me to do what I want to do all my life."

Best actress is likely to be awarded to Meryl Streep for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady.

Streep won the Golden Globe earlier this year and is nominated alongside Michelle Williams who plays Marilyn Monroe in My Week With Marilyn.

This British film also stars Kenneth Branagh who plays Laurence Olivier and is nominated for best supporting actor.

The Bafta Fellowship will be given to Martin Scorsese whose film Hugo is nominated nine times and his documentary George Harrison, Living in the Material World is also in the running for best documentary.

Past recipients of the fellowship have been Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg and last year Christopher Lee took home the award.

The rising star is an all-male line-up this year with Tom Hiddleston, Chris Hemsworth, Chris O'Dowd, Adam Deacon and Eddie Redmayne all being considered.

Win or lose, all nominees will go home with something - goody bags include Champagne, cuff links, beauty products and liquor with the stars walking the red carpet from 16.30 onwards at the Royal Opera House in London.