The Times bfi London Film Festival (Oct 22 - Nov 6) has lined up a string of Oscar buzz films for its main programme up this year.

The Festival opens with Jane Campion's psychological thriller In The Cut, starring Meg Ryan, Mark and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

The Closing Night film is Sylvia bu fellow New Zealander Christine Jeffs. Sylvia stars Gwyneth Paltrow as the American writer Sylvia Plath in a bittersweet and ultimately tragic tale of her turbulent life with poet Ted Hughes, played by Daniel Craig.

Other features include Peter Webber's acclaimed Girl With A Pearl Earring, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's 21 Grams and Sofia Coppola's Lost In Translation - all of which are hotly tipped for Academy Awards nominations following well received screenings at the recent Toronto and Venice festivals.

Thanks to its late autumn dates, the London Film Festival looks to have benefited from the decision to move the Oscars and BAFTAs forward by a month into February next year. As such it appears well placed to be a profile raising event for films vying for nominations for the two awards ceremonies.

Artistic director Sandra Hebron commented: "I'm delighted with the quality and range of the selection, and pleased to be able to present such a dynamic and relevant programme."

Gala Films and Special Screenings:

21 Grams, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (USA, 2003)
The Barbarian Invasion, Denys Arcand (Canada/France, 2003)
Casa De Los Babys John Sayles (Mexico/USA)
The Dreamers Bernardo Bertolucci (France/Italy/UK)
Freaky Friday Mark Waters (USA)
Girl With A Pearl Earring Peter Webber (UK)
In The Cut Jane Campion (UK, USA)
Lost In Translation Sofia Coppola (USA)
The Mother Roger Michell (UK)
Slyvia Christine Jeffs (UK/USA)