Ladbrokes Favors Foxx for Oscar

NEW YORK – (PRESS RELEASE) -- Through its American spokesperson, Ladbrokes Limited, the world's most famed London-based odds makers, today announced that Jamie Foxx is the strongest favorite for best actor since Russell Crowe received a golden statuette for Gladiator in 2000. Ladbrokes sees the odds at 1/4.

Two other major contenders are "The Aviator" for Best Picture with odds of 4/5 and as Best Director for the same film, Martin Scorsese, which Ladbrokes quotes at 4/6.

Ladbrokes chief odds-maker and spokesperson Warren Lush commented, "While last year 'Lord of the Rings' was the front runner in a host of categories, this year the majority of the categories are harder to call. Once again, however, global interest in the Oscars increases every year and we already know from the early ground swell that the growth pattern will continue."

Mr. Lush further noted that while "The Aviator" is the favorite it faces strong competition from "Million Dollar Baby." "Its looks hard to call and appears to be the most open contest for Best Picture since 1998 when "Saving Private Ryan" and "Shakespeare in Love" fought to the finish," Mr. Lush said.

Hillary Swank is the Ladbrokes favorite to win Best Actress for "Million Dollar Baby." "There's emotional support for Hillary Swank who won an Oscar in 1999 for "Boys Don't Cry," according to Mr. Lush.

British actor Clive Owen is the 7/4 favorite for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in" Closer."

For her performance in "Closer" Natalie Portman heads the Ladbrokes list at 6/4 for Best Supporting Actress. Giving her competition Cate Blanchett in The Aviator with 2/1.