Also competing for the five nomination slots in the category are Canada's "The Necessities of Life," Germany's "The Baader Meinhof Complex," Japan's "Departures," Mexico's "Tear This Heart Out," Sweden's "Everlasting Moments" and Turkey's "3 Monkeys."

The 81st Academy Awards nominations are to be announced Jan. 22 in the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Oscars for outstanding film achievements of 2008 will be presented Feb. 22 at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and televised live by the ABC Television Network.