Gladiator,' 'Crouching Tiger' Lead Oscar Field

A clash of cultures erupted in Hollywood on Tuesday, pitting "Gladiator" Romans against Qing Dynasty warriors from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and a scrappy activist named "Erin Brockovich" for the film industry's highest honors, the Oscars. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences named its Oscar nominees and early favorite "Gladiator," about an outcast Roman general seeking vengeance for his family's death, claimed the most nods with 12, including best picture, best actor for Russell Crowe and best director for Ridley Scott. Ang Lee's Mandarin-language drama "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," which has wowed audiences and critics with its blend of martial arts and a stirring love story, surprised industry experts with 10 nominations, the most a foreign language film has ever received. "Crouching Tiger" also earned nominations for best picture and best foreign language film, marking only the third time a film has been nominated in both categories in the Oscars' 73-year history. Lee was also nominated for best director. But come March 25, when the Oscars are handed out in a gala ceremony in Los Angeles that is televised around the globe, "Crouching Tiger" and "Gladiator" will be up against some tough competitors.