Franz lead NME awards shortlist

Franz Ferdinand were recently nominated for five Brit awards

Scottish rockers Franz Ferdinand are leading the nominations for this year's NME Awards, to be held next month.

The band have been recognised in five categories at the awards, including best British band, best live act, single, album and video.

The awards are voted for by the readers of the music magazine.

Frontman Alex Kapranos said it was "fantastic news. It's made all the more special by the fact that these have been voted for by the fans."

The band were recently nominated in five categories at the Brit Awards, which also take place in February. They also won the Mercury Music Prize for their self-titled debut album.

Competition

At the NME Awards, they will face competition in the best British band category from The Libertines, Kasabian, Muse and Snow Patrol.

Mike Skinner's act The Streets and The Libertines are each up for four awards, and both will challenge Franz Ferdinand in the best album category.

Skinner is also nominated for best solo artist, single and video, while the Libertines are shortlisted in the best British band, live band and single categories.

The Scissor Sisters and Razorlight have each received three nominations, while other nominees include US rockers The Killers and Babyshambles, featuring former Libertines singer Pete Doherty.

The awards, which are voted for by the readers of the music magazine, will be given out on 17 February at Hammersmith Palais in west London.