The romantic fantasy “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” led in Oscar nominations announced here on Thursday, collecting a near-record 13 nominations, including best picture and best director.

U.S.actors Brad Pitt and his partner Angelina Jolie pose for photographers on the red carpet at the German premiere of the movie “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” in Berlin January 19, 2009.

It will compete with “Slumdog Millionaire,” “Frost/Nixon,” “Milk” and “The Reader” for the most-coveted best picture honor.

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Sid Ganis and Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker announced 10 of the 24 award categories for the 81st Academy Awards at an early morning press conference in Beverly Hills.

Nominations information for all categories were distributed simultaneously to news media in attendance and via the academy’s awards Website oscar.com, organizers said.

The filmmakers behind the five best picture nominees received best director nominations — David Fincher for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” Ron Howard for “Frost/Nixon,” Gus Van Sant for “Milk,” Stephen Daldry for “The Reader” and Danny Boyle for “Slumdog Millionaire.”

The annual Academy Awards will be presented on Feb. 22 at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet