The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Monday that two hundred eighty-one feature films are eligible for this year’s Academy Award in the best picture category.

 

In order to meet the requirements of the 81^st Academy Awards, feature films have to open in a commercial motion-picture theater in Los Angeles County until Wednesday at midnight and also start a run of at least seven consecutive days.

 

In addition, considering the Academy’s rules, a feature-length production must have a running time of more than 40 minutes and must have been displayed in theaters on either 35mm or 70mm film or qualifying digital format.

 

Oscar nominating ballots were sent to 5,810 voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday and are due to be back after 17 days, on January 12.

The 81^st Academy Awards contenders list is scheduled to be made public on January 22 at 5:30 a.m. PT at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Only five of the 281 films are to be nominated for the best picture Oscar.

 

This year’s Academy Awards are due to be handed out on February 22 during a ceremony at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center and will be aired live by the ABC television network.