Cinema's big awards night out

James Rolleston is up for best actor in <i>Boy</i>. Photo / Supplied

The year of Boy continues with the film being the front-runner at this year's Qantas Film and Television Awards.

Taika Waititi's hit comedy, which has grossed more than $9 million at the New Zealand box office, is a finalist in 13 categories. Waititi himself is up for best director, best screenplay and best supporting actor - where he's up against young Te Aho Eketone-Whitu who played Boy's younger brother Rocky.

First-timer James Rolleston, who played Boy, is up against veterans Tony Barry (Home By Christmas) and Stephen Papps (Russian Snark), and the film features in almost every other feature film category, including best picture.

Gaylene Preston's docudrama Home By Christmas has the second strongest showing, with her nomination for best director, the nod for Barry, as well being up for best picture, among others.

Despite lukewarm local box office and critical reaction, both Under The Mountain and The Vintner's Luck come away with seven and six nominations apiece. The Vintner's Luck's leading ladies, American Vera Farmiga and Keisha Castle-Hughes feature in the best actress and best supporting actress sections respectively, while Under The Mountain would seem to be a front-runner in both the visual effects and makeup design categories for its aliens.

And it would seem Wellington sound designer Tim Prebble has only himself to beat in the best sound category _ he features in all three nominations, having worked on the sonic teams for Boy, Home By Christmas and Under the Mountain.

Full list of film finalists here.

Full list of television finalists here.

-TimeOut