If you're wondering why so many quality movies have been going on release here in recent weeks, it's not just because most are contenders for Oscars.

Last year the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) introduced a ruling whereby films would not be eligible for their awards unless they were released in the UK no later than two days before the prize- giving ceremony. In past years, some movies did not open in the UK for weeks after they won at Bafta.

That's why There Will Be Blood opens in one London cinema today, before going on wider release next weekend

and opening here on February 29th. It has been nominated for nine Baftas at this year's ceremony, which will be held in London on Sunday night, compered by Jonathan Ross, and broadcast on BBC 1 from 9pm. Among the film's nominees are Daniel Day-Lewis and Dublin-based US sound mixer Tom Johnson.

Atonement leads the field with 14 nominations, including two for Irish talent: Saoirse Ronan as best supporting actress and Seamus McGarvey for best cinematography.

Two Irish shorts have received Bafta nominations: The Crumblegiant, written and directed by John McCloskey, in the best short animation film category; and Hesitation, written and directed by Virginia Gilbert, for best short film.