"The Aviator" and "Spider-Man 2" Among Movies in Competition

Beverly Hills, CA, Dec. 17, 2004 — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced the seven films being considered for Achievement in Visual Effects for the 77th Academy Awards (honoring movies released in 2004).

The films in consideration are listed below in alphabetical order:

"The Aviator"

"The Day After Tomorrow"

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"

"I, Robot"

"Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events"

"Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow"

"Spider-Man 2"

Fifteen-minute clip reels from each of the seven films will be screened for the Visual Effects Award Nominating Committee on January 19. The members will then nominate three of these seven films for Oscar consideration.

The finalists will be announced along with nominations in 23 other categories on Tuesday, January 25, 2005, at 5:30 a.m. PST.

Academy Awards® for outstanding film achievements of 2004 will be presented on Sunday, February 27, 2005 , at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland® and televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST , beginning with a half-hour arrival segment.

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS AND SCIENCES