The film Atonement, and its stars, Keira Knightley and James McAvoy, have been short-listed for leading prizes at this year's British Academy Awards.

In a year when the ceremony for the most prestigious film awards, the Oscars, could be derailed by the ongoing US film writers' strike, the British Baftas have given 14 nominations to the home-grown Ian McEwan adaptation.

Alongside McAvoy, from Glasgow, two other Scots, Kelly Macdonald and Tilda Swinton, are also in the running for the prizes - both nominated in the supporting actress category; Macdonald for her role in No Country for Old Men, Swinton for her role in Michael Clayton.

In the Baftas, Atonement has been nominated in the most weighty categories, Best Film and Best British Film, while McAvoy is in the running for leading actor, and Knightley for leading actress.

McAvoy will be competing with George Clooney, Daniel Day-Lewis, Viggo Mortensen and Ulrich Muhe in the leading actor category.

Knightley, 22, said of her nomination: "The Golden Globe was extraordinary, but to be recognised at home is really special, I'm thrilled."

McAvoy, 28, added: "For Atonement to be recognised in so many categories is a great tribute to a fundamentally British film, of which I, and the rest of the cast and crew, are extremely proud."

The film has also won a best director nomination for Joe Wright, and has been short-listed in categories for adapted screenplay, music, cinematography, editing, production design, sound, costume design and make-up and hair.

The awards take place on February 10 at the Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden.