Angelina Jolie was stunned to learn about her Golden Globe nomination for her directorial debut - as she was taking her children to a dentist when the shortlist was announced.

In The Land of Blood and Honey was revealed as a contender for Best Foreign Language Film when the nods were revealed on Thursday morning,, but Jolie admits she barely remembered the announcements were happening as she was busy with her parental duties.

She tells The Hollywood Reporter, "I was on my way (to the dentist) and turned on my phone, and saw the subject line on an email. I thought, this can't be. I never expected this.

"Just to be able to make a film you care about and then get a distributor makes you happy."

Video: Brad Pitt "proud of bold Angelina" at the premiere of her directorial debut

Jolie's movie faces competition from The Flowers of War, The Kid on a Bike, A Separation and The Skin I Live In for the prize, which will be handed out at the glitzy ceremony next month

Click here to see who else is in the running for Golden Globe glory

(WENN)