Mumbai: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that seven films remain in the running in the Visual Effects category for the 81st Academy Awards.

These films are Australia, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Dark Knight, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, Iron Man, Journey to the Center of the Earth and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.

On 15 January, all members of the Academy’s Visual Effects Branch will be invited to view 15-minute excerpts from each of the seven short listed films after which, the members will vote to nominate three films for final Oscar consideration.

The 81st Academy Awards nominations will be announced on 22 January, 2009 in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2008 will be presented on 22 February, 2009, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center.