Morgan Freeman has told Eyewitness News he was disappointed Invictus did not get a Best Picture Oscar nomination.

Freeman is up for Best Actor for portraying Nelson Mandela in the movie, while co-star Matt Damon is up for Best Supporting Actor.

The nominations were announced in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

Speaking from Rome, where Invictus has just released, Freeman told Eyewitness News he had mixed feelings about his nomination, adding he was also upset that director Clint Eastwood missed out on a Best Director nod.

“I am beyond disappointed and don’t understand how they could do,” said Freeman.

Freeman is due to attend the ceremony in LA next month.

DISTRICT 9 SCORES BIG

District 9 star Sharlto Copley said the film’s Oscar nominations show the South African industry is headed in the right direction.

The movie has four nominations, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Copley plays the film’s main character Wikus van der Merwe.

Copley told Eyewitness News the nominations are a shot in the arm for the local film industry.

“It’s big news for South Africa, both for the industry and the South African people,” said Copley.

He said they have strong competition from other films but he is pleased nonetheless.

“Being nominated really is quite honour and it puts a lot of spotlight on the film and everyone involved,” said Copley.

The awards take place on 7 March.