The best-looking actors are in the lead for the Oscars. Who are these drool-worthy men?

The nominations aren't going to be out until January 24 but rumor has it that George Clooney and Brad Pitt are in the lead. Awards season started out with a bang with a couple of critics' and independent circles announcing their nominations in the Hollywood business.

With a number of awards being thrown out at the last Gotham Independent Awards, despite their limited range, Terrence Malick's Tree of Life swept a hard kick for best picture alongside the family drama Beginners.

Tree of Life wasn't only awarded at the Gotham Independent Awards but at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards as well. Their winning piece was Brad Pitt as best actor in the film. Pitt's commercial Moneyball, albeit more on the commercial side of Tree of Life, also gained him the award for best actor.

Tree of Life's Jessica Chastain also nabbed the award for best supporting actress. The actress was also nominated for the same category in her role in the movie Take Shelter at the Independent Spirit Awards.

If the charismatic Brad Pitt is in the lead for getting a nomination and a would be Oscar award, Georger Clooney has definitely got something to say about it.

In The National Board of Review, George Clooney managed to reel in Best actor for the movie Hugo. The young starlet included in the movie, Shailene Woodley, also managed to nab the win for Best Supporting Actress.

George Clooney and Brad Pitt, strong contenders that they are, are still not a sure win for the Oscars. With Leonardo DiCaprio taking a swift entry for his role as an embittered FBI director in the film J.Edgar.

Another Hollywood actor that is running in for the nominations would be Matt Damon for his role in the film We Bought a Zoo.

Winning the Oscars is undeniably the best honor in the business of Hollywood entertainment and with these men in the lead, next year's Oscar Awards is surely going to be a battle between the hunks of Hollywood.