'Joker' leads race for 2020 Oscars

LOS ANGELES -- Psychological thriller film "Joker" led the race for the 92nd Academy Awards, or the Oscars, with 11 nominations, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Monday.

Based on DC Comics characters, "Joker" is directed by Todd Phillips and stars Joaquin Phoenix in the lead role. The highest-grossing R-rated film ever follows the devolution of Arthur Fleck, a mentally ill failed stand-up comedian who turns into the killer-clown Joker. The film has been a subject of significant controversy in the United States since it premiered at the Venice and Toronto film festivals last year.

"Joker" picked up nominations across a series of major categories, including best picture, best actor for Phoenix and best director for Phillips.

Three films were close behind "Joker" with 10 nominations each: mob drama "The Irishman," World War I epic "1917" and comedy drama "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood."

Coming-of-age period drama "Little Women," comedy drama "Marriage Story," comedy drama "Jojo Rabbit," and South Korean black comedy thriller film "Parasite" earned six nods respectively.

The 92nd Academy Awards ceremony will be held on Feb. 9, 2020, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.