"The King's Speech," "The Social Network," "The Fighter" and "Black Swan" are among the leaders in nominations for the top categories at the 83rd Academy Awards, including the best picture, director and acting contests, the film academy announced Tuesday morning.

Mo'Nique and Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Tom Sherak (R)?speaks at the 83rd Academy Awards nominations announcement held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on January 25, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. [CFP]

Ten films received best picture nominations which also include "Inception," "The Kids Are Alright," "127 Hours," "Toy Story 3," " True Grit" and "Winter's Bone." The list was announced by Oscar- winning actress Mo'nique and Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Tom Sherak at the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater in downtown Los Angeles.

"The King's Speech," a period piece dealing with a British king struggling with nervous stammer, landed 12 nominations including best picture and acting honors for Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush.

The drama was also recognized for achievement in directing, editing, musical score, art direction, cinematography, costume design, sound mixing and original screenplay. The film has seen its momentum intact after Sunday night's win at the Producers Guild Awards, a group with a strong track record of predicting best picture winners at the Oscars.

Trailing closely behind is "True Grit," the Coen brothers' remake of a 1969 John Wayne western which stars Jeff Bridges, with 10 nods including a best supporting actress nod for 14-year-old Hailee Steinfeld, beating "The Social Network," which earned eight nods chronicling the origins of Facebook, a better-than-expected performance.

"The Social Network," which has been considered a favorite for much of the awards season, had a respectable showing but did not bolster its case as a likely winner. It was named best dramatic film at last week's Golden Globe Awards.

Tying with "The Social Network" is sci-fi thriller "Inception," followed by the boxing drama "The Fighter" with seven nods, including two for best supporting actress. "Inception" showed strength mostly in the technical categories.

The biggest upset of the morning was that "Inception" director Christopher Nolan, who has long been considered a sure bet in the contest for best director, was totally ignored, walking home empty- handed. The best director nominees are Darren Aronofsky ("Black Swan"), David O. Russell ("The Fighter"), Tom Hooper ("The King's Speech"), David Fincher ("The Social Network"), and Joel and Ethan Coen ("True Grit").

Other surprises also reigned the nomination. Javier Bardem, who played in Mexican drama "Biutiful," which is also a best foreign film contender, scored a surprise nomination for best actor. Rounding out the field for the category are: James Franco ("127 Hours"), Jeff Bridges ("True Grit"), Colin Firth ("The King's Speech") and Jesse Eisenberg ("The Social Network").

Best actress nominees include Annette Bening ("The Kids Are All Right"), Nicole Kidman ("Rabbit Hole"), Jennifer Lawrence ("Winter 's Bone"), Natalie Portman ("Black Swan"), and Michelle Williams ( "Blue Valentine").

John Hawkes, who has long been deemed a longshot for an Oscar, was also recognized for "Winter's Bone" with a supporting actor nod.

This marks the second consecutive year when the Academy has nominated 10 films for best picture after more than 60 years with a field of five.

For best animated feature film, the nominees are "How to Train Your Dragon," "The Illusionist" and "Toy Story 3."

The 83rd Academy Awards will be presented Feb. 27 at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, hosted by actor James Franco and actress Anne Hathaway.