Michael Haneke's keenly observed love story is also up for best picture, best direction, best actress in a leading role (for 85 year-old Emmanuelle Riva) and best original screenplay.

BBC: Oscars: best foreign film contenders

Last year Zeta Jones won a Tony Award for best performance by a leading actress in a musical for her role in A Little Night Music, her Broadway debut.

BBC: Profile: Catherine Zeta Jones

The actress also played a leading role in the 2000 box office hit Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

BBC: Michelle Yeoh at Rangoon airport, 7 December 2010

The actress has played a leading role in the controversial plastic surgery drama since it began in 2003.

BBC: NEWS | Entertainment | Richardson takes Nip/Tuck break