Fans Backing Social Network and Colin Firth in Oscar Betting

Online, February 1, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The nominations for the Oscars were announced on January 25 amidst huge excitement culminating in immense joy for some and disappointment for others. Shortly afterwards, LinesMaker released the betting lines for Academy Awards and fans are making their preferences known with their wagers.

There were many great films last year but the Oscars are buzzing about two films, The Social Network and The King's Speech. If the betting action at LinesMaker is indicative, these films are likely to be the big winners. The interest in the Oscar race resurged as The King's Speech won in the Producers Guild, to everyone's surprise. The Social Network is the hot favorite in the Best Film category at LinesMaker.com with the betting line at -350, closely followed by The Kings Speech (+125). True Grit and The Fighter follow among bettors with +1000 odds, ahead of Inception (+2000).

The King's Speech is one of the most talked about movies this year, highlighted by an amazing performance by Colin Firth as King George VI. He is running as the clear favorite in the race of Best Actor with -2000 odds at LinesMaker.com, far ahead of James Franco for 127 Hours (+800) and Social Network star Jesse Eisenberg (+900). With respect to the Oscars Best Actress category, Black Swan star Natalie Portman is the hot favorite with -1000 at LinesMaker, while Annette Bening is at +300 for her performance in The Kids Are All Right.

For the Best Director category, "there is a head to head battle between David Fincher (Social Network) and The Kings Speech director Tom Hooper. It is extremely difficult to making a clear cut choice in this and many other categories," said Michael Brookes, the general manager at LinesMaker.

The 83rd Academy Awards will be presented on Sunday, February 27, 2011, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center. The Oscars will be hosted by actor Hugh Jackman and will be televised live in over 200 countries worldwide. Visit LinesMaker.com for the entire list of Oscar betting odds.