The Academy shortlisted the Best Visual Effects field to 15 contenders back in December, and today they’ve narrowed down the crop even further. Cowboys & Aliens, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, Sucker Punch, Super 8, and Thor have been eliminated from contention, leaving the 10 contenders listed below. Hard to argue much with this trimming-down. And I think it really says something about The Tree of Life‘s nomination chances that it’s still in the game.
According to the press release, the final step of the category’s process will take place on January 19, when “all members of the Visual Effects Branch will be invited to view 10-minute excerpts from each of the 10 shortlisted films.” That strikes me as a somewhat crooked process, but I suppose it has an inherent leg up on most categories simply because voters are required to take a peek at all of the eligible titles.
Best Visual Effects Contenders