'Oppenheimer' hoping for glory at star-studded BAFTAs

LONDON - Stars of the silver screen will gather in London on Sunday for the annual BAFTA awards, often an indicator of Oscars glory, with "Oppenheimer" in the running for an unrivalled 13 awards.

Christopher Nolan's epic movie about the creation of the atomic bomb, which has grossed more than $1billion, has already won big at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards.

It is the clear frontrunner to sweep the board at next month's Oscars.  At Sunday's BAFTAs, the highlight of the British film year, the blockbuster is nominated for best film, for Nolan (director and adapted screenplay), as well as for Emily Blunt (supporting actress) and Robert Downey Jr. (supporting actor).

Irish actor Murphy is also heavy favourite to pick up his first best actor BAFTA for his role as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the US theoretical physicist often called the "father of the atomic bomb".

Margot Robbie, Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone and Carey Mulligan are among the stars expected to attend the ceremony, hosted by Scottish actor David Tennant.

Hollywood high-society will rub shoulders with actual royalty at the Royal Festival Hall, with Prince William due to attend in his capacity as BAFTA president.