Crowe Up For An Oscar

New Zealander Russell Crowe finds out tonight whether he will become the first New Zealander to win an Oscar for “Best Actor”.

Crowe who is nominated for his portrayal of Dr. Jeffrey Wigand in the Court Room drama The Insider, will attend tonight’s ceremony with his 11 year old niece from Taupo, Chelsea.

The blond blue-eyed Taupo Intermediate School pupil flew to Hollywood last week with her father, and along with the family took part in rehersals for the awards yesterday. She said she was "very excited" about meeting other stars at the ceremony.

Crowe made world headlines last month when he attended to the Golden Globe Awards hand-in-hand with Jodie Foster.

The Insider also shares a nomination for best film against the tipped favourite American Beauty whose leading man Kevin Spacey is also a strong favourite in the best actor category.

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