British and Spanish actors trade places

THEY were hotly tipped to be among the awards nominees following starring roles in two of last year’s biggest films.

But in something of a role reversal, British actors Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts have been recognised in Spain while Spaniard Javier Bardem is among the contenders for a Bafta.

Bardem has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the British awards ceremony for his role as Bond villain Silva in Skyfall.

The 43-year-old – who won the same category for his portrayal of a serial killer in 2008 hit No Country for Old Men – has been overlooked in this year’s Oscars nominations.

Britons McGregor and Watts meanwhile, have been nominated for best actor and actress respectively at the prestigious Spanish Goya awards.

The pair played the role of a Spanish family who survived the 2004 Asian Tsunami in box office hit The Impossible.