Peter Chan's "The Warlords" is leading the field with 12 nominations in the 45th Golden Horse Awards, which are decided in Taipei on Thursday.

The film is closely followed by Wei Te-sheng's "Cape No.7" and Feng Xiaogang's "The Assembly." They won nine and six nominations respectively. The three films will compete for the best picture award.

Peter Chan and Wei Te-sheng together with Ho Cheung Ping and Sylvia Chang were candidates for the best director trophy.

Jet Li and Gu Tianle were two of the four finalists for the best actor award.

"The Red Cliff" by John Woo was nominated for the best art direction and best costume and makeup design.

Jay Chou's "Hero Chou" from "Kung Fu Dunk" won the nomination for the best original film song.

The awarding ceremony is scheduled to be held on Dec. 6 in Taizhong.

The event is a much coveted Chinese-language film prize in Chinese cinema.

"The Warlords," set in wartime 19th century China and with an all-star cast, was the big winner at the 27th Hong Kong Film Awards held in April with eight awards including best film and best director for Peter Chan.

(Xinhua News Agency October 30, 2008)