Batman makes producers' shortlist

Batman blockbuster The Dark Knight is among the films up for best picture at the Producers Guild of America awards.

As its nominations often mirror the Oscar line-up, its inclusion could boost its chances of being up for the same prize at the Academy Awards.

Brad Pitt's fantasy The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, Sean Penn biopic Milk and Slumdog Millionaire are also up for the guild's top prize.

Wall-E, Bolt and Kung Fu Panda are all up for best animated feature.

Last year's best picture winner, the Coen brothers' No Country for Old Men, went on to win top prize at the Academy Awards.

The PGA is not always a reliable indicator, however, having recognised Little Miss Sunshine the previous year ahead of Oscar victor The Departed.

Documentary

Man on Wire, about the Frenchman who wire-walked between the Twin Towers in New York, is one of three films up for the best documentary prize.

The Producers Guild also awards television productions, with Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage and the US version of The Office all recognised in the TV comedy category.

Damages, Dexter and Lost are up for the TV drama prize, as are Boston Legal and Mad Men.

Winners will be announced in Los Angeles on 24 January, two days after the Oscar nominations are announced.

The Hollywood awards season continues this weekend with the Golden Globes, one of the key events in the run-up to the Oscars on 22 February.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Directors Guild of America (DGA) will announce their award nominations later this week