Goya Award Nominations 2013: 'BlancaNieves' Scores 18 Nominations, 'The Impossible' Garners 14

The nominees for the 27^th annual Goya Awards have been announced. "BlancaNieves" led the nominations with 18 while "The Impossible" obtained 14.

Among the best films nominated were "The Impossible," "El Artista y Modelo (13 nominations)," "BlancaNieves" and "Grupo 7(16 nominations)." "Blancanieves" was Spain's Academy Award submission for the Best Foreign Film category but was not shortlisted.  The film also obtained nominations for Maribel Verdu in the best actress category, Daniel Giminez Cacho in the best actor race, and best director for Pablo Berger.

"The Impossible" obtained nominations for Naomi Watts in the best actress race, Ewan McGregor in the supporting actor race, Tom Holland for best newcomer award, and for director J.A Bayona. The film is expected to get Naomi Watts an Academy Award nomination but other than that it remains a dark horse to compete at the Oscars.It could still surprise on Thursday morning when the Oscars announce their nominations.

Among other actors nominated are Penelope Cruz for her role in "Volver a Nacer," Jean Rochefort for "El Artista y La Modelo," and Candela Pena for "Una Pistola en Cada Mano."

Oscar contenders "Rust and Bone" and "The Untouchables" were nominated for the Best European film award. Also nominated in the category was last year's Golden Globe nominee "Shame."

The best animated films race was made up of " O Apostalo," "El Corazon del Roble," "Las Aventuras de Tadeo Jones," and "The Wish Fish."

The Goya Awards are the most important film accolades in Spain and are the equivalent to the Academy Award in the US. Past winners include "No Habra Paz para los Malvados," "Black Bread," "Cell 211," and "Volver" The awards will be handed out on Feb. 17 in a gala ceremony in Madrid.