Chiwetel Ejiofor and 12 Years a Slave are leading the odds to take home a BAFTA

Chiwetel Ejiofor is the hot favourite to win best leading actor at the BAFTAs this year.The British actor stars in 12 Years a Slave which is also in line to take home the best film trophy for director Steve McQueen, according to bookmaker Paddy Power.

The slavery epic - which also stars Michael Fassbender and Brad Pitt - is favourite to take home five of its ten nominations according to the bookies.

Ejiofor is given odds of 2/7 to be awarded best leading actor for his role as Solomon Northup, just ahead of Nebraska star Bruce Dern at 6/1.

In the best film category 12 Years a Slave is 1/3 favourite to win ahead of space two-hander Gravity and American Hustle which stars Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence.

Cate Blanchett is favourite at 4/9 to take home to best actress gong for her role in Blue Jasmine ahead of second favourite Sandra Bullock at 2/1.

Best supporting actress looks set to be a two horse race between Lupita Nyong’o at 8/15 and Jennifer Lawrence at 6/4, while Michael Fassbender is the odds on favourite at 10/11 to take the best supporting actor title ahead of Lawrence's American Hustle co-star Bradley Cooper at 9/4.

It seems likely that best director will go to either Gravity’s Alfonso Cuaron who is at 4/6 favourite currently, a nose ahead of Steve McQueen at 6/4.

For outstanding British film it looks set to be a three-way race with Gravity, Philomena and Saving Mr Banks all with a chance of taking home to trophy.

A Paddy Power spokesperson said: “Ahead of this year’s BAFTAs 12 Years a Slave looks to be an unstoppable force and it would be no surprise to see the film take home more than five awards.”