Nicole Kidman ruled out of Oscar race

Nicole Kidman's film Grace of Monaco been ruled out of the Oscar race. Photo / AP

Nicole Kidman looks to be out of the Best Actress Oscar race after the release date of Grace of Monaco was postponed.

The Weinstein Company film, in which the actress portrays Grace Kelly, has been pushed back from November 27 to early next year, meaning it is no longer eligible for this year's Academy Awards.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the studio believes the film needs more time to be completed, and it will now be exploited for its box office potential rather than mined for its possible awards success.

The Weinstein Company still boasts an enviable awards season slate, including The Butler by director Lee Daniels and Fruitvale Station.

Harvey Weinstein, renowned for his unapologetic and enthusiastic awards campaigning, has secured his studio the Best Picture Oscar for three consecutive years with The King's Speech, The Artist and Silver Linings Playbook.

With Grace of Monaco rescheduled, the mogul can focus his efforts on Philomena, which features a stand-out performance by Dame Judi Dench.

His studio is also responsible for August: Osage County. The film has garnered mixed early reviews, but it stars Academy favourites Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep.

Among the likely Best Actress nominees are Sandra Bullock, for her role in Gravity, and Blue Jasmine's Cate Blanchett.

- The Independent