'The King's Speech' usurps throne as Oscar leader

Queen Elizabeth II's dad, Albert - the gentle, stammering Duke of York - never was meant to be king. And from Hollywood's early honors this season, a drama based on his life never seemed destined as heir-apparent at the Academy Awards.

Yet "The King's Speech" took a step closer to the best-picture crown Tuesday, leading the Oscars with 12 nominations and gaining momentum against the Facebook chronicle "The Social Network," which had previously ruled the awards season. (AP)