Washington, Jan 21 : American actor Forest Whitaker has been chosen to announce this year's Academy Award nominations on January 22.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement, and Whitaker will be announcing the nominations along with AMPAS President Sid Ganis, reports People magazine.

Whitaker, 47, who won the best actor award in 2007 for his portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland, will unveil nominations for 10 of the 24 award categories.

The 81st Annual Academy Awards will air live on ABC on February 22 from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. (ANI)