67 countries submit Oscar hopefuls

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Sixty-seven countries have submitted movies to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for a foreign picture Oscar, the U.S. group says.

AMPAS President Sid Ganis released the names of the foreign movie entries vying for a foreign-language Oscar award at the 81st Annual Academy Awards in February, The Hollywood Reporter said Friday.

Among the dozens of countries offering cinematic creations up for consideration are Afghanistan, China, Germany, India, Iran, Palestine, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Canada, Czech Republic, Egypt, Hong Kong, Israel and Russia.

The final nominees for the 2009 best foreign-language film Oscar will be announced Jan. 22, 2009.

The Reporter said the actual Academy Awards presentation has been scheduled for Feb. 22, 2009.