Oscar sees record number of foreign films

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- A record 58 foreign films have been entered for Academy Award consideration this year.

Three countries -- Iraq, Costa Rica and Fiji -- entered movies for best foreign language Oscar for the first time, the BBC said Wednesday.

The previous record was set in 2003, when 56 foreign films competed for the coveted nomination.

Five foreign films will be nominated. The winner will be announced March 5 during Academy Awards ceremonies in Los Angeles.