‘Cloud Atlas,’ ‘Life of Pi’ among 10 visual-effects contenders

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has narrowed its visual-effects Oscar contenders to 10 films, including some of the summer’s biggest blockbusters such as “The Avengers,” “The Amazing Spider-Man and “The Dark Knight Rises.”

Artier fare such as “Cloud Atlas” from the Wachowski siblings and Ang Lee’s “Life of Pi” are also shortlisted in the category. Universal Pictures’ “Snow White and the Hunstsman” is still in the race for a nomination along with Twentieth Century Fox’s “Prometheus” from Ridley Scott and the latest Bond flick “Skyfall” from director Sam Mendes. Even Disney’s box-office disappointment “John Carter” earned some recognition from the visual-effects crowd.

Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” which doesn’t bow until Dec. 14, marks the only film of the 10 that has yet to hit theaters.

All members of the visual effects branch of the academy will be invited to view 10-minute excerpts from each of the 10 shortlisted films on Jan. 3. Following the screenings, the members will vote to nominate five of the films for final Oscar consideration.

Nominations will be announced Jan. 10 at 5:30 a.m. PST. The Academy Awards for the 2012 films will be held Feb. 24.

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