The science-fiction genre always struggles when it comes to the Academy Awards, and this year is no exception.

"Inception," Christopher Nolan's dream-within-a-dream heist which has captured the attention of many, was recognized in eight categories, but mostly for technical categories.

The film, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio as the enigmatic outlaw with the ability to enter dreams, has been nominated for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay and Best Original Score.

Additionally, the film received a nod for cinematography, art direction, sound mixing, sound editing and visual effects.

One category where "Inception" remains curiously absent is Best Directing, a category that many expected to see Nolan's name in.

"Inception" fared far better than "Tron: Legacy," the followup to the 1985 computer-based flick. Although it wasn't expected to receive any nominations in the major categories, it was hoped that the film would receive some recognition on the music front for featuring an electo-orchestra soundtrack from Daft Punk, as well as for its visual accomplishments.

"Tron" received only a single nomination for Best Sound Editing.

Other films nominated for Best Picture include "Black Swan," "The Fighter," "The Kids Are All Right," "The King's Speech," "127 Hours," "The Social Network," "Toy Story 3," "True Grit" and "Winter's Bone."

Other notable nominees: "The Dark Knight's" Christian Bale for "The Fighter"; Star Wars' Natalie Portman for "The Black Swan"; "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1" for Best Art Direction and Best Visual Effects; "Iron Man 2" for Best Visual Effects."

The 83rd Academy Awards will be held on Feb. 27.