The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced the seven films still in contention for the Oscar for Best Visual Effects for the 80th Academy Awards. The list was narrowed from a field of 15 contenders by members of the Academy’s Visual Effects Branch at yesterday’s Bake-Off in Hollywood, with a final cut still to decide the three official nominees. Nominations will be announced on Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 5:30 a.m. (PT) in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
The seven pics left standing at this point are New Line’s The Golden Compass, Warner Bros.’ I Am Legend and 300, Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, DreamWorks/Paramount’s Transformers and Universal’s The Bourne Ultimatum and Evan Almighty.
The Academy’s vfx unit will view 15-minute excerpts from each of the seven shortlisted films on Wednesday, Jan. 16. Following the screenings, members will vote to nominate three to continue on to the big show. The Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2007 will be presented on Sunday, Feb. 24 at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center. The ABC Television Network will carry the live telecast beginning at 5 p.m. (PT).
