Maths favours Crowe but 'Rings' facing the silver

Just days out from the Oscars, New Zealand-born actor Russell Crowe looks set to take out the award for best actor, but New Zealand-made Lord of the Rings may dip out on the big prizes.

Bookmakers in England, Australia and America are all picking Crowe for his portrayal of schizophrenic mathematician John Nash in A Beautiful Mind.

Australian bookmakers Centrebet, perhaps a little biased, are offering a return of $1.40 for every $1 bet on Crowe and internet bookmaker ukbetting.com is offering $1.55.

But Showbiz internet site Goldderby.com is picking American Denzel Washington (Training Day) for the honour, at $1.80. Crowe follows at $2.20.

A Beautiful Mind is the favourite for best picture. The odds hover between $1.40 and $1.66.

Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings takes out the number two spot for most of the bookies. Centrebet is offering $2.50 and Goldderby $4.50.

Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind)is favoured for best director at $1.50 to $1.75. Jackson and Robert Altman (Gosford Park) alternate at second and third spot.

If Jacksons wins, punters are offered returns from $3 to $4.

Although The Rings has the most nominations of any film (13), in terms of the top prizes it may have to rely on Sir Ian McKellen, favoured to be named best supporting actor.

nzherald.co.nz/oscars

Oscar nominees (full list)