Variety is reporting that The Motion Picture Academy’s Oscar will be decided from “Beowulf,†“The Bourne Ultimatum,†“Evan Almighty,†“The Golden Compass,†“Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix,†“I Am Legend,†“Live Free Or Die Hard,†“National Treasure: Book Of Secrets,†“Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End,†“Ratatouille,†“Spider-Man 3,†“Sunshine,†“300,†“Transformers,†and “The Water Horse.†These are the contenders and the 15 films that will be considered for the January “bake-off.†Seven of these will compete in the bake-off. Three of those seven will receive nominations. And then just one will have a very good office party come the actual night of the Oscars.
As discussed in an earlier article by David Cohen, the visual effects branch has made an unprecedented statement in support of visual effects in animated films as it included “Ratatouille†and “Beowulf†over such effects-heavy live-action pics as “Enchanted†and “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.†Given that there is a relatively new Oscar just for Best Animated Film the debate centered around also allowing those same films to compete for the Effects Oscar.
Digital Domain this week filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a $100 Million Dollar Initial Public Offering. According to the filing, DD “will use our remaining net proceeds from this offering to implement our growth strategy by, among other things, expanding our technology development and licensing program and attempting to enter into the production of animated and visual effects-driven feature films and the development and production of video games, as well as for general corporate purposes, including working capital and capital expenditures.”
A group has formed to encourage both sides in the writers strike to come together and reach a deal. They are staging a rally and march this weekend at Hollywood and Highland. From the organizers web site: 
