Choreography noms step out

'Chicago,' 'Matrix,' among selected pix

By ALLAN HALDEMAN

HOLLYWOOD -- Nominations for the ninth annual American Choreography Awards were announced Tuesday by ACA executive producer and nominating and voting committee chair Sean Kim.

Awards recognize choreographic excellence in seven categories: commercials, musicvideo, TV episodic, TV variety/special, short film, fight choreography and feature film. Nominees -- selected by panel committees comprised of media choreographers, casting directors, helmers and producers -- include Missy Elliot and Justin Timberlake and films "The Matrix Reloaded," "Chicago," and "Austin Powers in Goldmember."

Awards also will be presented to theater group Stomp, Emmy Awards producer Don Mischer, Sally Whalen and "Blazing Saddles" choreographer Alan Johnson, who will be toasted for lifetime achievement.

Kudofest will take place Nov. 9 at Los Angeles' Orpheum Theater.