But mostly he takes issue with the notion that Ex Machina is his film, even though he conceived it, wrote the screenplay, designed the robot, drew the storyboards and was involved in every stage of its creation.
It's also in contention for original screenplay, production design, costume design and make up and hair.
Its awards potential wasn't immediately obvious: despite glowing reviews, Wes Anderson's romp was perceived as too lightweight for recognition beyond the screenplay and design categories.
In 1988 Mr. Frears released his most widely acclaimed film, "Dangerous Liaisons," which won three Academy Awards, for best adapted screenplay, art design and costumes.
The only "Enchanted April" that matters is the 1992 English version and it matters not just for its leading ladies (Miranda Richardson, Joan Plowright), or for its three Oscar nominations (adapted screenplay, costume design and supporting actress for Ms. Plowright) but for the villa in Portofino where it was filmed.
The film was praised for its direction, screenplay, production design, score, Joaquin Phoenix's performance and Scarlett Johansson's vocal portrayal of Samantha.
The character of "Mohammed," called "Mo" and "Mohammed" in the screenplay, was designed to affront Muslims who are known to have turned to violence in an effort to stop anyone who defiles the name of their prophet.
The other nominations are for best director (Lone Scherfig), best adapted screenplay, best costume design, and best makeup and hair.
Front-runner, The King's Speech, has also been nominated for its cinematography, editing, screenplay, music, production design, sound and visual effects.
The movie, which chronicles a callow, illiterate Arab inmate's brutal education and rise to power during his six-year imprisonment, also won the awards for best original screenplay, editing, production design and cinematography.
